644 Paramus Road, Paramus, NJ 07652

Ascension Day & 40 Necessary Days – By Father Gabriel Alkass

May 28, 2023
in Feature Articles, The Word
No Comments
147

We celebrate the ascension of the Lord. If we count from Resurrection Day to last Thursday, we have 40 days. “Forty Necessary Days” why the Lord had to be in this church, and then ascended to heaven.

Let’s pretend that the Lord secretly went to heaven. Don’t you think we would have had many questions with no answer? Therefore, the 40 days with the disciples were very necessary. If we go to Acts 1:3 “to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.”

Today, let’s talk about three necessary reasons for the forty days.

  1. The first necessary reason for the disciples to go through was very difficult. It made them very disappointed and terrified because of the crucifixion crisis for them and anyone else. So, on Sunday, He stood alive among His disciples and brought them joy as He promised.
  2. To show them His resurrection of the glorified body. He does not need to eat or drink anymore or sleep. Because He is a glorified body, and He says all of us will have the same glorified body.
  3. Speaking of things related to the Kingdom of God. a) to let them know of His position in the church as the high priest of the church, not of animal sacrifice but bread and wine, b) he chose a new priesthood, and c) and He ordained His priests “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” – John 20:22-23, and d) 1 Corinthians 4: “This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.”

This is a time to remain alive in Christ and get the joy He promised that no one can take from you. And rise in a glorified body at the last day if it has to be through Christ’s mysteries. And as you see, we can look to Christ, and Christ within us, so we can have joy. No matter what happens on earth, nobody can take our joy and ability to do these things through the sacraments of the church.

Learn more from Father Gabriel’s sermon video here.

Our church lives thanks to your generous offerings and donations. Please make your tax-deductible donation here.

Support the Virgin Mary Church

×

The Church of the Virgin Mary thrives thanks to your donations and offerings. Help keep faith alive in our church, and make your tax-deductible donation today here.

 

share

Recommended Posts