In the heavenly places
For more commentary on this week's readings, see the Reflections on the Lectionary page, which includes Rossing's current Living by the Word column as well as past magazine and blog content. For full-text access to all articles, subscribe to the Century.
The preacher faces several challenges in these Ascension texts. How can we present Jesus’ departure from the earth as an occasion for not sorrow but celebration? How to translate the kingship and hierarchical language into imagery that speaks to a world no longer governed by kings and monarchs?
Feminist biblical scholars note a third challenge: How can we counter Luke-Acts' use of the Ascension to exert a degree of social control?
