Scripture: Acts 1:1-11
Reflection: It is tempting on this day to think that the ascension of the Risen Christ means that in some way he is less present to us, his followers. Tempting, but wrong as the prayer below reminds us. When Christ Jesus ascended the person of Jesus as we knew him on earth departed, but the fullness of his spirit was made freely and fully available to all. The fully Human One who experienced our life in its fullness is the same Divine One who offers us the divine life in all its abundance. These days until the outpouring of the Spirit are not days of absence, rather, they are days expectation and preparation. We wait for Jesus’ Spirit to be poured out. We know he is not absent, but here, filling all things, abiding with us.
Prayer: Almighty God, whose blessed Son our Savior Jesus Christ ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things: Mercifully give us faith to perceive that, according to his promise, he abides with his Church on earth, even to the end of the ages; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. (BCP pg 226)
St. Augustine's Chapel 