Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of the 6th Week of Easter: Year 1
Morning, Psalm 119:97 to 120;
Baruch 3:24 to 37; James 5:13 to 18; Luke 12:22 to 31:
Eve of Ascension: Evening, Psalm 68:1 to 20;
2nd Kings 2:1 to 15; Revelation 5:1 to 14:
“He is our God, the God of our salvation; God is the Lord, by whom we escape death.” (Psalm 68:20)
As we prepare to remember and celebrate the Ascension of our Lord Jesus into Heaven tomorrow, we reflect today on God’s Presence with us in the person of the Resurrected Jesus.
The Resurrection itself, Easter, is the significant Christian event. Our Lord Jesus came back to life after being put to death. In his Resurrection many came to believe in him, this includes members of his family who formerly were not numbered among his disciples, his brother James to mention one.
The Resurrected Jesus visited with the apostles behind locked doors, and on paths to different towns, and even on the shore as they were fishing. Scripture informs us that there were many more times that he was present with different people that were not written in the scriptures. His Resurrected presence lasted for forty days, a little longer than a month. This living defeat of death sealed the faith of Christianity forever and eternity.
But the time came when our Lord Jesus would let us know that he will depart back to his eternal glory where he is preparing a place for all who both believe, and live out that belief, in the way they live their lives. For more than a month Jesus has shown us that there is life after death. You and I will not be able to return to this world as he did but we will be among the family of the faithful who continue to walk in the love of God, and of one another, forever. We will do this because we have an awesome God. “He is our God, the God of our salvation; God is the Lord, by whom we escape death.” (Psalm 68:20)
Today we remember Mechtild and John Calvin and their information may be found at: Mechtild of Magdeburg and John Calvin, respectively.
As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
Let us pray: (BCP p. 226)
Grant, we pray, Almighty God, that as we believe your only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended into heaven, so we may also in heart and mind there ascend, and with him continually dwell; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
onewhoponders 