Why are you standing there looking at the sky? (Acts 1:10)

On Sunday we celebrate the great feast of the Ascension.  It is tempting, when we recount the story to concentrate on Jesus ascending to the Father.  But to stay there neglects the ‘great commission’ (Mat 28:16-20).  Jesus did not want us to keep staring into space thinking what next?  He is quite clear about what is next.  It is discipleship. Comforting us with the assurance that we will be supported, encouraged, and helped by the Holy Spirit Jesus’ demand is for us to be active not passive. In our families, our workplaces, our schools, our faith communities and as individuals.   This might be as simple as smiling, inviting someone for coffee, including those on the edge, picking up the phone…

Saint Teresa of Calcutta reminds us;
It is easy to love the people far away. It is not always easy to love those close to us. It is easier to give a cup of rice to relieve hunger than to relieve the loneliness and pain of someone unloved in our own home. Bring love into your home for this is where our love for each other must start.
We are challenged to live our belief in the Ascension by being missionary disciples where we are, as we can.  We are no longer looking up at the sky but out. By doing this we are being Living Church.
 
An old youth group activity was to put up a large sign CH_ _ CH and ask ‘what’s missing?’  As we move into new ways of gathering, as we reflect on being living Church it is a good statement to ponder again.