Ascension

When [Jesus] had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. Acts 1:9

Dear Friends in Christ,

Today is the Feast of the Ascension. Forty days after Jesus’ resurrection, he was lifted up and out of the sight of the disciples, returning to the Father and awaiting his coming again in glory. This is not space travel—Jesus is not hanging out on the moon or Mars. Jesus has stepped out of time and into eternity, into the greater world of God. This is also the occasion of Jesus commissioning his disciples. He tells them they will receive power from on high when the Holy Spirit fills them and empowers them. Jesus sends them into the world to preach the good news, to Baptize people of all nations and races, and to teach them to follow Jesus (including Jesus’ command to share the good news, baptize and teach).

The Ascension is closely linked with Pentecost. In Jesus, God came to dwell with us in a particular place, time and person, Jesus, the incarnation of God the Son. Jesus’ departure allows space for God’s presence and power to expand beyond a particular time and place and person, to dwell with all believers around the world, being filled with God the Holy Spirit. The Ascension is the glory of Jesus seated at the right hand of God the Father—a sign of his kingship in the world. The Ascension is also the space given by God for the great work of the Holy Spirit. God the Holy Spirit had always been active in the world, but now the Holy Spirit would fill the disciples of Jesus in a new way, and powerfully change the world.

The disciples must have been dismayed to see Jesus depart from them, but this was necessary space for the expanding work of the Holy Spirit. In what way is God making space for the Holy Spirit in you? Have you seen a glimpse of the glory of God? Are you open to the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in you? In what way is this experience of God preparing you for the mission God has for you in the world?

Come join us at Noon today for a Eucharist to celebrate the Ascension of Jesus. And watch and wait and open yourself for God the Holy Spirit’s work in you. And respond when he calls you!

Yours in Christ,

-Tom