Pastor's Pondering...

“Ascension” by Ann Weems

Blessing them
He ascended into heaven
Gone, but not gone.
Ascended, but still with us.
Alive among us
Among us
Us!
No longer sad at his leaving,
We wait to do his bidding,
To go out to all the world
To tell the Good News
That God loves us so much He chose to live among us
The Crucified Risen Lord lives still among us.
Lo, He is with us always
even unto the end of the world…
Ascended Lord, ever Emmanuel!
(From “Search For Shalom”, Copyright 1991)

When someone dies or moves away, there is a sense of loneliness; a sense that things will never be the same; a sense of not knowing what is to come. The disciples were feeling this. They wanted some direction/answers (Acts 1:6-11). As Jesus prepared to ascend, He told the disciples that they would never be alone/without direction. The Holy Spirit would be with them. They were told, with the power of the Holy Spirit, that they were to be witnesses to what they had experienced. They were to share the Good News story.

That is our calling as disciples living so many years later – to be witnesses to the Good News – the Resurrection. Live lives that are witnesses to God’s love and grace, and especially God’s amazing forgiveness.

In a weary world, that is what is needed. It is not easy to do, but we can, only if we trust and be true to our baptismal vows and calling.

Peace and grace,
Pastor Elizabeth