Message from the Multi-Faith Network: Ascension and Pentecost

Following the celebration of Easter, we have two further feasts, Ascension and Pentecost.  Ascension Day and Pentecost are important Christian feasts that celebrate the life and mission of Jesus Christ. They are both connected to his resurrection on Easter Sunday, which is the core of the Christian faith.

Ascension Day, which occurs on 18th May this year, commemorates the event when Jesus ascended to heaven 40 days after his resurrection. According to the Acts of the Apostles, Jesus appeared to his disciples after he rose from the dead and taught them about the kingdom of God. He also promised them that they would receive the power of the Holy Spirit to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. Then he led them to a place near Bethany and blessed them. As he was blessing them, he was lifted up and a cloud took him out of their sight.

Ascension Day shows that Jesus had completed his work on earth and returned to his Father in heaven. It also shows that he is the Lord of heaven and earth and that he intercedes for his followers before God. Ascension Day is a holy day of obligation for Catholics, which means that they must attend Mass on that day. The liturgical colour for Ascension Day is white, symbolising joy and purity.

Pentecost, which is on 28th of May this year,  celebrates the event when the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples 10 days after Jesus' ascension. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, along with the Father and the Son, and is God's presence and power on earth. The Acts of the Apostles describes how the disciples were gathered in one place on the Jewish feast of Pentecost, which was 50 days after Easter. Suddenly, they heard a sound like a violent wind and saw tongues of fire resting on each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages as the Spirit enabled them. Many people from different nations heard them proclaiming God's deeds and were amazed.

Pentecost marks the birth of the Christian Church and the beginning of its mission to the world. It also shows that Jesus fulfilled his promise to send his Spirit to guide, empower and comfort his followers. Pentecost is a joyful feast for Christians.

 If you would like to find out more about the Multi-Faith Network, please email us at multifaith@eastamb.nhs.uk.

Published 17th May 2023