Faith in Christ is a journey we undertake throughout our lives on earth. It is therefore not a fixed point at which we encounter all the certainties of life and answers to the various questions that frequently arise and permeate our lives. On this journey, we may find ourselves grappling with challenges, struggles and suffering, yet at other times joy and happiness come to colour our lives. It is in dialogue with events that are often difficult for us to explain—such as why the righteous must suffer, the rampant violence, the unstoppable greed, and the environmental destruction that is ravaging the world. Faith comes to offer a new perspective and understanding, so that even amidst uncertainty we have the courage to walk and move forward. It even gives us the humility to admit that we do not have all the answers to the questions that arise.
It is this very process of faith that Jesus also introduced to his disciples. Just when it seemed the disciples were grasping certainty regarding all their questions, the Lord brought them back to thousands of questions and uncertainties arising from specific events in their lives. Then, just as the disciples had become fully convinced of the Master’s teachings and example, Jesus had to endure suffering, agony and death. As they gradually came to terms with that death, it turned out that the tomb was empty and news of His resurrection spread. Appearance after appearance of Christ seemed to offer a glimmer of hope that the lives of the disciples and Jesus would soon return to how they had been before: travelling throughout Judea, proclaiming God’s salvation and performing many good deeds for His people. Yet it was precisely at that moment that Jesus had to part ways with His disciples once more.
This tension in the process of faith—between certainty and uncertainty—ultimately becomes something that cannot be avoided. It is precisely within this tension that we are invited to be humble and submit ourselves completely to God, who creates and sustains all things. This is so that a believer’s faith may become mature, for they do not merely ask of the Lord but process their various experiences in the light of His loving care and guidance. In this way, faith becomes something living and dynamic.
In our reading, the tension of faith previously felt due to His death and resurrection is not left unresolved. Our reading today explains that Jesus opened the disciples’ minds to the Scriptures so that, ultimately, they understood that everything that had happened was the fulfilment of what was written. Jesus had to suffer, rise from the dead, and then ascend to heaven so that, in His name, the message of repentance and the forgiveness of sins might be proclaimed (v. 47). Thus, Christ’s ascension in the Gospel of Luke is understood as a new phase in the relationship between believers and Jesus, as well as a further commission for the disciples to continue Christ’s work. Before ascending to Heaven, Jesus affirmed the hope and liberation from sin, that there is life and a choice for humanity. It is now the disciples’ task to bear witness—a task that is often not easy, as we must try to interpret all events through the lens of our faith, whilst continuing to see God’s love and goodness.
In this turbulent world, we are often confronted with various questions of faith that trouble our hearts. Yet these questions are not a sign of our lack of faith; rather, we are in a state of creative tension, constantly striving to live out our faith together with God, the Source of our Faith. This is possible because the God we worship is the God who rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. He is the Living God. Thus, as our faith continues to grow, we simultaneously proclaim God’s goodness and salvation to the world through everything we do. We continue Christ’s work through our witness. Thus, the Ascension is not merely about experiencing Him who is alive and reigns, but a call to proclaim His work.
Reflective question: How do we bear witness in the context of our daily lives?
