Dear Friends in Christ,
 

As we approach the close of the Easter Season, Jesus prepares to leave his friends ascending to God’s presence. Ascension Thursday is this week. We will celebrate in the Sacred Space with Holy Eucharist at noon.

 

The ascended Jesus goes on to do the further work that God has in mind for him. Between now and Pentecost we will hear how Jesus gives his friends all they need for the unfolding of their lives.

 

The 2009 film entitled Up is based on fantasies about escaping life when it becomes too irritating. Childhood friends Carl and Ellie share dreams of adventure. When they grow up they fall in love and marry. When Ellie dies, Carl discovers Ellie’s childhood scrapbook from when they were children. The scrapbook is labeled, “Stuff I’m Going to Do.” In it are included things done by Carl and Ellie with a note written by Ellie. “Thanks for the adventure.” In his grief of losing Ellie, this is just the reminder that Carl needs, reminding him of all the adventures he and Ellie shared in their lives together. He realizes that part of him has gone on with Ellie when she died, while part is still present in the here and now. Ellie’s death means she now lives into her resurrected life. She does so leaving Carl with a gift that reminds him that he has all that he needs. Carl feels he may live into whatever lay ahead as he feels comfort in the memory of all he shared with Ellie when they were together.



This week through the Day of Pentecost is an opportunity for each one of us to look around. What is near us that reminds us that Jesus already has something of us with him, and all whom we love and see no longer, who have gone before us? What have they given us so that we may remember that, even so, we have all we need through faith.

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In Christ,

Douglas +