The Ascension

 “While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God. Luke 24:51-53

Even as he leaves the disciples and sends them as witnesses Jesus reminds them that he had to suffer, die and rise. As we face the world into which Jesus sends us may we acknowledge that the marks of his suffering will identify us as his disciples.

As we stay before Jesus who lifts his hands in blessing over us I wonder if we can accept his trust in us as he sends us in his name.

Jesus promises that his disciples will be clothed with power from on high. We may also think think of those gifts of the Spirit that are necessary for us in  life. May we pray that we shall be prepared to receive them. 

But through all this we may well ask, why the Ascension?…. because….

Because Jesus ascended and sits at the right hand of God,

a new world has broken into ours—

a world in which justice does come for the poor,

freedom comes for the prisoners,

and healing for the sick.

Because Jesus ascended and sits at the right hand of God,

a new community has been formed—

a community that loves and cares for all members,

a family that welcomes all who are abandoned and rejected,

a place where all find a place of belonging.

Because Jesus ascended and sits at the right hand of God,

a new creation has begun— 

all that was distorted is being restored,

all that is corrupted is being renewed,

all that was broken is being made whole.

Because Jesus ascended and sits at the right hand of God,

God’s new world has begun. 

Almighty God,

we praise and thank you for making us children of God,

not through our own power and piety

but through our baptism into crucified and risen Lord Jesus Christ.

We turn daily to you,

and in that turning we find peace, courage and purpose.

Make your whole church a witness.

to the great good news of Christ's resurrection.

God of the risen Jesus, hear our prayer. Amen