Tomorrow is Ascension Day, which celebrates the ascension of Jesus into heaven. The resurrected Jesus has been with his followers for a while now, reassuring them of God’s love for them and teaching them about how the Scriptures are being fulfilled in their presence. Now the time has come for Jesus to return to his Father in heaven. This is necessary because Jesus has promised to send them an Advocate - the Holy Spirit - to be with them at all times and in all places.

Pope St. Leo the Great writes

“The apostles and all the disciples had been filled with fear by his death on the cross and their faith in the resurrection had been hesitant; but now they gained such great strength from seeing the truth, that when the Lord went up to heaven, far from feeling sadness, they experienced a great joy.”

Tomorrow, in the chapel of Christ Church Christiana Hundred there will be a Celtic Eucharist to celebrate Ascension Day, beginning at 7:00 pm. The liturgy draws from various sources, both ancient and modern, and is unique to Christ Church. Along with readings from Scripture, there will be a poem specially composed for this occasion. 

In the book “Celtic Daily Prayer” is a fragment from a traditional Scottish prayer with the words “May Jesus Christ Mac David guide our flight, and give us lodging in his peace-bright hall.” The word “Mac” means “Son of.” Inspired by these words, I wrote a poem for Ascension Day that incorporates this uplifting prayer.

Ascension Day

When day is done, and our hearts are ready for rest,
Weary from life’s battles, weary from life’s woundings,
Prepare a place for us, dear Lord, among the angels
And the red cheeked cherubim, the long-singing saints
Gathered around you in endless adoration, the forsaken souls
Raised from the depths of dark death into the undimmed
Light of the eternal you, washed, forgiven and clothed in your mercy.
Your splendor ever radiant, ever beckoning, calls us into
The light and life-giving Evermore, home for the loved and lovers,
Destination for the faithful souls who seek you and who
Yearn with longing hearts to follow you home.
O heavenly one, glittering door opening to eternity,
We lift up our hearts in prayer, and say
“May Jesus Christ Mac David guide our flight
And give us lodging in his peace-bright hall”

David Beresford