THIS WEEK’S GOSPEL: LUKE 24:44-53 (MESSAGE)
Then he said, “Everything I told you
while I was with you comes to this: All the things written about me in the Law
of Moses, in the Prophets, and in the Psalms have to be fulfilled.”
He went on to open their understanding
of the Word of God, showing them how to read their Bibles this way. He said,
“You can see now how it is written that the Messiah suffers, rises from the
dead on the third day, and then a total life-change through the forgiveness of
sins is proclaimed in his name to all nations—starting from here, from
Jerusalem! You’re the first to hear and see it. You’re the witnesses. What
comes next is very important: I am sending what my Father promised to you, so
stay here in the city until he arrives, until you’re equipped with power from
on high.”
He then led them out of the city over to
Bethany. Raising his hands he blessed them, and while blessing them, took his
leave, being carried up to heaven. And
they were on their knees, worshiping him. They returned to Jerusalem bursting
with joy. They spent all their time in the Temple praising God. Yes.
Have you ever celebrated someone taking his
leave? We have retirement parties, heading
to college parties, moving across the country parties, extended travel parties,
even going away parties. But have you
ever celebrated the fact that you may never see the one you love ever again,
even if he or she promises to send you something reassuring during the absence?
Once again, the disciples are thrust into an unusual
situation and asked to believe. They
witness Jesus’ ascension into heaven and await the promised Holy Spirit’s descent
into their hearts and lives. What must
that good-bye have felt like? What must waiting
for the Spirit have been like for those whose lives had been like a roller-coaster
of late? What is this like for us to sit with anticipation of a new adventure
and grief over saying good-bye to someone or something we love? How do we hold this? What do we do with it?
Please join us this Sunday, May 12 at 10am in Christ
Church for the celebrations of the Ascension of our Lord and Mother’s Day as
Jeanne Lucas will proclaim the word for us and ask to sit with a new question
in our sermon series. Looking forward to
seeing you in Church!
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