Duelling Holidays

Scripture

 “I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.’ When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.” (Luke 24:49-53 NIVUK) 

Duelling Holidays 

Victoria Day vs Ascension Sunday was one of the competitions we enjoyed this past weekend. While the church here and around the globe was celebrating Jesus’ ascension we had our peculiar 2-4 Weekend which kicks off our hopes for summer and its recreations.  

We planted flowers at home.  You may have opened the cottage, enjoyed some sun or community activities- while others still grieved losses earlier in the year or patiently watched loved ones with health challenges. Life went on one way or the other.  

But this ascension thing sure was a slow process. Can you even remember Easter this year, six weeks ago?  So much has happened since and yet Jesus and his friends went through what must have seemed like an eternity while they waited for the next step after the crucifixion and resurrection. 

No matter what ups or downs we have been through over the last 40 days, we’ve still had to pay the bills, manage our homes and vocations, attend to the mundane. It was the same for Peter, John, Thomas, James and associates.  Jesus worked slowly it seems as He spent the six weeks appearing to hundreds on many occasions. His patience is remarkable as he waited in this muddle middle between earth and eternity.  

And then the day came, and He ascended to his place with the Father where he continues to work in and through us in many quiet and sometimes even obvious ways. Kings and queens get royal send offs at their deaths, but our Loving Ruler continues his life in us by the Spirit – a profound and wonderful send off. 

A Prayer for Today

Loving God, you welcomed the return of your Son in your eternal dwelling with joy at all He had accomplished and was continuing to do in space and time. Grant us confidence that Father, Son and Spirit continue to live in us to strengthen our hearts, empower us to love and control our tongues ….for Jesus’ sake