"Then Jesus said to them, 'These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you - that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.' Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, 'Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses to these things. And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised, so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.' " ... Luke 24:44-49

This Bible passage is the first part of the gospel reading appointed for Ascension Day (Thursday, May 20). It contains Jesus' last words (as recorded in Luke) to his disciples before he ascends to heaven following his resurrection. His last words to his followers are words of promise and commission. Jesus' promise is that the disciples will be filled with power from on high that will come to them just as God has promised. This power is the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus' commission is that the disciples, given this power, are to witness to the world concerning Jesus.

This is our promise and our commission. God's Holy Spirit comes to us and fills us full of power -- power to speak out against injustice, power to proclaim forgiveness of sins, power to heal relationships, power to live out our faith, power to be disciples. And it is our commission to use that Spirit power in the world.

As I write this reflection, reports of abusive power are all over the news - the US abuse of Iraqi prisoners, al Qaeda abuse of American lives, military firepower, and violence in many areas of the world. And even closer - adults overpowering children and forcing them into inappropriate sexual relationships, young adults mistaking bullying for power, and the list goes on.

This is not the power that Jesus promises. This is not the power of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives. The power of God's Holy Spirit is seen in works of love and service, in lives of humility and forgiveness. The power of God's Holy Spirit in our lives and hearts can transform us and our world in ways that may surprise us. Unleash the Spirit power that is yours in baptism for the sake of Jesus.

Gracious God, your Son Jesus promised us the gift of the Holy Spirit. Continue to send your Spirit on us and on our world. Make us bold with the Spirit's power to speak the name of Jesus. Give us courage and wisdom to walk where you call us to go. Bless us this day and every day. In Jesus' name. Amen

Contributed by Pastor Tracie
Published Sunday May 16, 2004
Week 25 of Liturgical Year C