The Gospel of Luke 24:44-53 Jesus said to his disciples, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you– that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so, stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God.
Let us Pray the Collect for Ascension Day: Almighty God, whose blessed Son our Savior Jesus Christ ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things: Mercifully give us faith to perceive that, according to his promise, he abides with his Church on earth, even to the end of the ages; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
In three days (May 17), our current priest has made the decision to continue his ministry in ways that God has directed him. Losing a priest that has been a part of your church and spiritual life is difficult. I can now feel how the disciples felt when Jesus said he was leaving them and ascending to be with the father. It is a loss. There is an empty spot that now needs to be filled. Jesus told the disciples he would send them an Advocate to be their spiritual guide. Unfortunately, when your priest ends their Pastoral relationship with your congregation there is that openness that needs to be filed. We know God provides for our spiritual Being as we adjust to this. After His accession the disciples left and worshiped him. They returned to Jerusalem with great joy. They knew that they would be provided for. We must have that same joy knowing that God will provide for us and now we need to celebrate with Joy the fact we had our priest with us, and he was our spiritual leader for those years. Let us be like the disciples and go out into the world in Joy with the blessings of God with us.
Let us Pray: Gracious God, we thank you for calling this priest and this community together in shared ministry. As they now enter a season of transition, shelter them from all anxiety, grant them courage to meet the days ahead, and grace to let go into new life; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
Reflections by Bob 