How was your vacation?

There is a classic and true answer to the question, "How was your vacation?" 

"Too short."

Every once in a while, you might have a real clunker of a getaway. I am thinking of the beach trip with flu symptoms, cramped accommodations, and a bad blend of rain and sunburn. I am pretty sure, however that someone on the internet just looked at the sign in their cubicle that says, "A bad day at the beach is better than a really good day at the office."

We might ask ourselves, why is it that the really good things of life seem to flash by so quickly? It isn't just that time flies when we are having fun. It is also that the high points of life are short. Certainly, many chase after the next high or trying to make them more frequent. This can be good in the beginning of a loving relationship or quite destructive as an addiction takes hold. I am also thinking of well meaning Peter in the Transfiguration story, "Lord it is good to be hear. Let's make some tents and stay!" He doesn't even get a chance to suggest an extended stay in the Ascension. Let's pick up the story and close with some reflection after it. 

Luke 24:44-53

Then he 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 of 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.”

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.

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There was some time there as he led them out. Apparently there is a better lift off to Heaven from Bethany. It is also possible that Jesus wanted to try to stretch out the joy just a little longer. Even still, at that point, it was over. All the hard work, teachings and healings, conflict and punishment, drama and accolades, "he is not here" and useless cross, ghosts don't eat fish...all of it, a few years of their lives--done. 

Yes, there are times and seasons to give our lives pace and rhythm. Moments come and go so that we cherish and steward our lives and the Creation they grow in.

I hope you also noticed that the ascension "ended" with a tremendous joy that didn't stop. The purpose of Jesus' Ascension was to extend the joy and flip the script of this broken world. The body of Jesus was lifted up so that we can fully be the body--multiplying joy and extending the time and spread of hope.

When something feels over, ask yourself if it is really over or if God has shifted it so that you might see it forever in an "Ascended" way.

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Great God, your love is amazing. You lift me up when I am down. You give strength to the weak and the powerless. Your life brings eternal hope and the building of peace. Guide us to not chase after you, but to know you with us now. You are the eternal now. Build us up to be more fully and faithfully your body moving and serving in the world. Let our hands and feet show and teach love.

We are mindful today of the violence and bloodshed that has erupted between Israel and Hamas. We pray for and end to the skirmishes and the way for peace. Help your people, O God to not live in fear. Be with, we pray the innocents that are caught in the crossfire, as you bring them into your Holy Home.

Heal and embrace all those who are sick or suffering in any way this day...

Strengthen your Church to reach out and give an enlivening hope to its communities. Empower our witness and our presence, our service and our caring, and our welcome and advocacy. 

In your one and only Name, we pray. Amen.