I love the lectionary. For those of you who are unfamiliar with what a lectionary is—the lectionary is an orderly listing that contains a collection of scripture readings appointed for worship on a given day or occasion. On Sundays there is usually a selection from the Hebrew Scriptures, a Psalm, an Epistle and a Gospel text. Usually, the texts are linked in some way. This past Sunday was a bit different, the church celebrated the Ascension of Christ as told in Acts 1:6-14.
I love this passage. It is ironic that the writer uses so much humor at such a sobering event. The duh-ciples strike one more time! One last time they prove that they still don’t get it! Christ has been crucified, has died and has risen and appeared too many over the past many days—and—now Christ is about to ascend into heaven.
They ask, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” What I hear them really asking is, “Ok—now that you are not dead, now are you going to kick some butt and take over?” They just don’t get it! I can imagine that Jesus slaps his forehead muttering, “Oy Vey!”
The comedy continues because after Jesus is lifted up into the clouds, these chosen few continue to stand gawking up at the clouds until some men come by an ask them, “Why do you stand looking up to heaven?” The whole scene is one out of the Marx brothers–so unbelievably human.
I’m wondering if sometimes we spend too much time looking up—looking for Christ in places where He will not be found. Do we spend too much time standing in one place, not choosing to move forward because we are unsure of the way instead of trusting that Christ will lead the way? Feeling safe and secure in doing things the way they have always been done—refusing the creative urgings of the Holy Spirit of Christ. The Kingdom of God is at hand; at your hand and my hand.
As Sister Carol has said on several occasions, “Yours may be the only face of Christ someone meets today.” On this day let’s look around to see how and where we can preach the Gospel without using words. |