God Mounts His Throne to Shouts of Joy
Some readings from Scripture are used every year, selected because of the Solemnity or Feast. Such is true of the Feast of the Ascension. Acts 1:1-11 is always proclaimed and Psalm 47 is the lively song of praise to God, Creator of all, is sung. An “enthronement psalm” imagine God as life or wisdom, Allah or Father or King, Almighty or Most High. What would the world look like if all peoples and nations were at peace with each other and God? This psalm imagines the day when all will recognize a power greater than a nation or person in the hope that God’s will would be done and all humanity will appreciate the Divine and all peoples, nations, color and creed. Psalm 47 calls us to participate in the mystery and mission of Christ.
Clap your hands, all you peoples, shout to God with songs of joy!
For the Most High is awe-inspiring, great ruler over all the earth!
O God, you subdue evil oppression, and challenge unjust nations.
You chose our heritage for us, gave it to us out of love.
You go up with shouts of joy; O God, with trumpet blasts.
We sing praise to you, sing praise, sing praise to you, Most High.
Your realm is all the nations; over all the peoples of this earth.
The leaders of the peoples gather with the people of Sarah and Abraham’s God.
God reigns over all the earth and is exalted above all.
(Revised Standard Version of the Bible, © 1971
by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA.)