This week we marked Ascension Day (40 days after the resurrection of Jesus). Looking back on that day, it must have been both a wonderful and yet terrifying moment for the disciples, watching Jesus leave in the way he did, and then realising that they were all alone and the mission that Jesus had entrusted to them was now their responsibility.
The weight of that same responsibility now rests on our shoulders - you and I are called to bear witness to Christ in all the world and to make disciples of Jesus. Not to be too melodramatic, but it has often been noted that "the Church is always one generation away from extinction". In other words, it only takes one generation to fail to pass on the faith and the Church will be consigned to history! This calling is non-transferable - we can't pass it on to our leaders - we are called to be faithful disciples and witnesses to Christ. We can identify with those disciples!
However, the truth is they were not left alone. This is God's Church and God has in no way abandoned it. Jesus had prepared them for this day and would send his Spirit to encourage and empower them. Jesus believed in these ordinary men and women, and in the same way, he believes in you and me. We genuinely are capable of fulfilling the mission entrusted to us, but it may require taking some risks and stepping out of our comfort zones. What will that look like for you this week?
The weight of that same responsibility now rests on our shoulders - you and I are called to bear witness to Christ in all the world and to make disciples of Jesus. Not to be too melodramatic, but it has often been noted that "the Church is always one generation away from extinction". In other words, it only takes one generation to fail to pass on the faith and the Church will be consigned to history! This calling is non-transferable - we can't pass it on to our leaders - we are called to be faithful disciples and witnesses to Christ. We can identify with those disciples!
However, the truth is they were not left alone. This is God's Church and God has in no way abandoned it. Jesus had prepared them for this day and would send his Spirit to encourage and empower them. Jesus believed in these ordinary men and women, and in the same way, he believes in you and me. We genuinely are capable of fulfilling the mission entrusted to us, but it may require taking some risks and stepping out of our comfort zones. What will that look like for you this week?