Thursday May 5th, 2016 Ascension of Our Lord Acts 1:1-11
They said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven?" (verse 11)
I always laugh when I hear these words. The risen Christ has been talking with the disciples about what is going to happen. All are of full of anticipation about the next stage of the story. Then, without warning, Jesus is lifted up, taken out of their sight via a cloud. No wonder the disciples’ dazed faces are frozen in upward stares.
As we draw near the end of the Easter season, our faces might also be set at the same angle. We have shouted, “He is risen. He is risen indeed!” We have clothed the sanctuary in gold and in white, and have sung the special hymns and anthems. Yet, now Jesus leaves us. What do we do?
The two who talk to the disciples tell us. They offer the promise that Christ will come again. This is not the end of the story. Rather than looking up, God calls us to look around, to see where God’s love needs to be shared. God’s Spirit comes to help us to witness in word and deed, to live as Easter people.
Redeeming God, do not leave us standing looking up to heaven, but by your grace help us always to live as Easter people. Amen. — MHD
Contributed by In the meantime
I always laugh when I hear these words. The risen Christ has been talking with the disciples about what is going to happen. All are of full of anticipation about the next stage of the story. Then, without warning, Jesus is lifted up, taken out of their sight via a cloud. No wonder the disciples' dazed faces are frozen in upward stares.
As we draw near the end of the Easter season, our faces might also be set at the same angle. We have shouted, "He is risen. He is risen indeed!" We have clothed the sanctuary in gold and in white, and have sung the special hymns and anthems. Yet, now Jesus leaves us. What do we do?
The two who talk to the disciples tell us. They offer the promise that Christ will come again. This is not the end of the story. Rather than looking up, God calls us to look around, to see where God's love needs to be shared. God's Spirit comes to help us to witness in word and deed, to live as Easter people.
