Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
THURSDAY, May 13 Ascension Day
Luke 24:44-53. Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God.
In an Italian church may be seen an unusual picture. At a glance, it is only another picture of the crucifixion. But as one looks, in the darkness of the church, the picture changes. Behind the figure of Christ rises a vast and shadowy figure. The nails that pierce the hands and the feet of Jesus go through to the hands and the feet of God. The spear thrust into his side goes through to God's.
Is not this the whole truth of Jesus' life? He was not just a fine man, who lived and died, but the man who revealed the true nature of all things--God in human life. His life and actions are the life and actions of God. His joys are God's joys; his suffering God's suffering; his love God's love. He is our Truth and our Way. He is the born, the living, the crucified, the resurrected, the ascended Lord, Master of us all.
So believe, and you will feel his hands outstretched and blessing you, and you will go on your way with great joy. (1942)
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST has ascended into heaven; may we in heart and mind there ascend and dwell with him.
Ps 47 or 93; Acts 1:1-11; Ephesians 1:15-23
View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.
A Meditation for Pentecost
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