Description

On this Ascension Sunday, Rev. Jenna Sullivan ponders the strange story of Jesus' dramatic ascension back to heaven forty days after the resurrection. Jesus' last words evoke questions and disorientation for his disciples and they can do the same for us today. They can also inspire us to look for Jesus in new forms and get to work living out his teachings. This story gives us permission to ask Jesus hard questions, deal with the cloudy seasons of our own faith journeys, and recommit ourselves to receiving the gift and mission of the Holy Spirit. [Acts 1:6-14]

Reflection Questions:

1. How do we carry out the good news through the Holy Spirit without Jesus here on earth in bodily form? 
2. In what ways does Jesus' alleged departure awaken our own responsibility to bring heaven to earth? How do you feel after hearing Jesus' last words? 
3. What cloudy seasons have you faced in your own life and faith that have shaped you in important ways?