The Ascension of Jesus

So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.  And they went out and proclaimed the good news everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that accompanied it. Mark 16. 19 - 20

On this day we commemorate the bodily Ascension of Jesus having spent the last 40 days reflecting on his time on earth after his Resurrection. We have been discussing the ways we might manifest our belief and understanding of the Resurrection, how we might face the world in a new and different way because of the gift of that Resurrection and the mighty power over death.

With the Ascension of Jesus, we are called as disciples to "go out and proclaim the good news everywhere" knowing that God with us gives us the guidance and strength to witness to the power of Christ. What does your good news sound like? look like? feel like? taste like? How has the journey through Easter and the experience of walking with Jesus during the days of his Resurrection invigorated your faith?

The Collect appointed for next Sunday sums up my prayer for going forward after the Ascension of Jesus.

O God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

I pray this morning

for comfort, and knowing that God can do for me greater things than I can imagine, I pray for the Holy Spirit to strengthen me as I go out into the world to proclaim the Good News! And the Good News I long to share is what Jesus told us were the two great commandments:

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets. Amen.

The Mystery of Faith, fresco by Ben Long. St. Mary's Episcopal Church, West Jefferson, NC