Ascension Day

 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:16-20

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Ascension. Christ took leave of his disciples but not without commissioning them and sending them to do ministry throughout the world. He sent them, before he left, to share God's love with the whole world. Ascension Day reminds me of how often in life we are coming, going and sent. There is always more to do. We have boxes everywhere right now, and all of our belonging are disappearing. It is normal to be overwhelmed by the leave taking and the packing. And yet, there is always more to do, and God is sending us all into the world to teach love and peace.

I have always loved this painting of the Ascension. It is the view from the ground, where we humans dwell. We cannot follow Jesus up to the Father, but we can always be ready for our commissions, our sendings into the world. While our feet are still on the ground, we can venture forth in love, knowing that we are be sent with the blessing of Christ. We are not alone as we go, but rather are accompanied all along the way.

Today I ask God to make me strong during these transitions. May we trust that we are never alone, rather, we are sent, blessed and accompanied by God all along our way. May we rejoice in the knowledge that we are grounded in the heart of God.