We celebrate the ascension of Jesus this Sunday. Historical note: This event was traditionally celebrated on Thursday, the 40th day after Easter Sunday. Many congregations observe it on Sunday so that more people will be in attendance.

The ascension was a necessary part of the incarnation. God became human (the incarnation). Human life is limited. We are finite creatures. We live in one body, in one particularly moment in time. We are born, we live, we die, then the next generation carries the torch of life. We received life from our ancestors and we pass it on to our descendents.

Jesus was a particular human in a particular moment in time. He was born, he lived, he died, AND he rose from the dead. His resurrection was a foretaste of all our hope. Yet, we are still here, in this life, awaiting death. Jesus had to pass the torch to us so that we would carry on his mission in the world. The church is the ongoing incarnation of God’s love in the world, empowered by God’s Spirit.

Without the ascension we would still be stuck staring at the clouds, not doing anything. Poof! Jesus left. His physical body is gone. The messengers said, “Why are you standing around? Get to work!”

Jesus prayed that his disciples would be unified as one body, so that the world would see the love that the God has for it. Our unity in love is the witness of Jesus to the world. This is our work to do in the world. This ascension Sunday, may we remember that we are called to love God and love our neighbor in the way that Jesus showed us how to do it.

We will observe our normal weekly rhythm of spiritual practices this week:

Monday

11:00am | Text Study – Zoom

Tuesday

11:00am | Contemplative Practice – OCC Meditation Chapel and on Zoom

Wednesday

11:00am | Service of Holy Communion – Chapel of the Incarnation or on YouTube. This week our service is planned and led by students.

11:45am | Chapel Cafe – The cafe is being absorbed into the community meal. Stay for lunch!

Thursday

11:00am | Lunch Church – Dining Room A