Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped 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, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’ Matthew 28:16-20
Today, we celebrate the feast of the Ascension, the day when Jesus left his disciples on the earth and ascended into heaven. Some of the disciples, like up were terrified by being left alone, as we are. Jesus gave them instruction and direction, yet they were grieved, broken and seemingly unable to believe that their friend and teacher would be with them always. We all experienced radical isolation during the pandemic. We felt alone and abandoned. Yet the words Jesus left then, are the words for us today.
Loving Creator, we begin and end with you
our hope is in your presence with us here
our faith is rooted in your promise of love
and your instruction for our lives.
Draw close to us as we mourn again
as a nation, for our children, for the world.
Help us to bring your love everywhere go
so our waiting might bring a new Pentecost for all. Amen.
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