May 8, 2024

Wednesday Word:  Prepare for Departure

Tomorrow is the Feast of the Ascension.  This day comes 40 days after the Resurrection and commemorates the day Jesus was taken into heaven.  This event, however, is only attested to in two places:  Luke 24:51 and Acts 1:9 (it also appears at the very end of Mark, but this was most likely added later in an effort to make the gospels harmonious).  Additionally, it is only in Acts 1:3 where we are told Jesus appeared to his disciples during a 40-day period.

Liturgically speaking, we have spent the last 39 days with Jesus in a post-Resurrection celebration of sorts.  We have wondered at the empty tomb.  He has appeared to us to show us his hands and feet.  We ate fish with him on the shore.  He has appeared to us on a walk.  Our eyes have been opened to his presence in the breaking of the bread.  And as a symbol of this new life we have with him in the power of the Resurrection, we have put the General Confession on hold as we live into this joyful time.

But tomorrow is Ascension, the day when we are now, officially, left on our own.  This is the day when Jesus says something like, “My work here is done; now go and do likewise.”  We are being left behind to help bring about his vision for the world.  We are being left alone to help manifest the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven.  We are being left on our own to proclaim the Good News of God in Christ.

This is, no doubt, a big job.  It’s also a job that, to be quite honest, people have not been very good at. 

These are some of the things we have been asked to do in Jesus’ absence:  love each other as he has loved us; baptize people in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; teach people everything Jesus has taught us; feed and tend the sheep; witness to the good news in ever-larger circles. 

Granted, we have been tasked with a huge task, and it may seem impossible for any of us to do all of what we have been asked to do.  But here’s some good news:  YOU don’t have to do everything, but everything can be done by us.  We all have our strengths and weaknesses.  We are all good at some things, but not others.  If we put all that together, we can accomplish great things. 

As Jesus prepares for his departure tomorrow, think about all Jesus has asked us to do; and then pick one thing, just one, to focus on in the coming year. 

Jesus is leaving.  How will you fill in the gap?