Thursday, May 14

John 17:5 

Jesus prayed: “So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.” 

Happy Ascension Day! Let’s read the story from Acts 1:6-9: 

So when [the disciples] had come together, they asked [Jesus], “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.  

After the resurrection, the disciples assumed that now was the time to ride into Jerusalem. Rising from the dead was the final act; now they could depose the Roman governor and establish the Kingdom of the Jews! They were thinking politically; certainly now they would be free! 

But then Jesus reminds them that we do not know God’s calendar nor God’s timeline. We do not have the whole picture. There is now work (liturgy!) to be done: The very ends of the earth must all learn of God’s love, forgiveness, and everlasting life. Every person must know that they are never alone, and the disciples are now witnesses who are to tell the story to the next generations. With the promise of the Holy Spirit, Jesus ascends to heaven. 

Imagine the disciples standing there, looking up to heaven. Jesus' final act of earth is concluded. They must have remembered today's bit of the Priestly Prayer: Jesus was glorified at the beginning of creation when the world came into being through the spoken Word; and now Jesus is glorified as he ascended into the presence of his heavenly Father. 

And the disciples must have wondered…the Holy Spirit?? There is more to God than just the Father and the Son?!?!  

Today, on Ascension Thursday, ask yourself, “What do I expect from the Holy Spirit today? Who IS the Holy Spirit to me?” Jesus has promised to not leave us orphaned; the Holy Spirit dwells in our hearts. We are reminded of this at Confirmation, ant every Baptism we witness, and every time we partake in Holy Communion. 

– Pr. Elizabeth

Jesus, your work on earth is done. But we who are the descendants of the witnesses have been grafted into your family. Help me to explore the gift of the Holy Spirit in my heart today. Stir me up, Lord! Amen