Ascension

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. - Luke 24:50-51

Dear People of St. Peters,

Grace and peace to you on this last day of May. Our Easter joy continues for one more week. Truth be told, this joy never ends. Such joy is the foundation of life itself.  Alleluia, Christ is risen! 

One of the principal feast days of the Christian year is the Feast of the Ascension, the day we celebrate Christ’s ascension and return to the Godhead.  For forty days after his death and resurrection, Jesus had appeared to his disciples, assuring them of the abiding love of God and continuing to show them the way of eternal life. Ascension day marks the end of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances. 

Since Ascension is forty days after the resurrection, Ascension Day always occurs on a Thursday, which may be why you might not have ever heard of this principal feast. On Ascension we celebrate the reality that Christ took on our humanity so that we might share his divinity. We recognize that our lives are perfected, not through our own efforts but through the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. We share in the glory of God not because of anything we do, but despite what we have done and because of who we are–God’s beloved creation.

By embracing such wondrous love, we are able to live as Christ’s people in this world, bearing Christ’s love, Christ’s compassion, and Christ’s mercy to every person. Such love for all people has no end, knows no boundaries, and seeks the flourishing and fulfillment of all. 

Take a moment today to remember that you are God’s creation, beloved and perfected in Christ. You are made to love. And then go, and show that love.

If you have a moment, be transported to the heavens by listening to Orlando Gibbon’s O Clap Your Hands. Let the joy of this day lead you.