Easter 7 strands as a bridge between the Ascension of
our Lord – His return back to the Father’s right hand and the sending of the
Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost.
Today’s reading comes from Acts 1:12—26 – Christians in the world pray for the Spirit.
At His ascension, Jesus promised to send the Spirit to
the disciples. The risen Lord meets with His eleven disciples a short distance
from Jerusalem where before ascending to His Father, He promises them the
Spirit who will give them power to witness throughout the world. Then they
returned to an upper room in Jerusalem to pray. With the disciples are Jesus’ brothers
and mother. This is Mary’s last appearance in the New Testament — she is seen
among the first Christians praying and waiting for the Spirit.
The apostolic witness of Jesus’ cross and resurrection
gathers disciples together “with one
accord” into the one Body of Christ; “Devoting
themselves to prayer.” They wait upon the Lord in “the upper room” the very place of His Holy Supper.
Interesting, the last mention of Joseph (Jesus’
earthly guardian) we find in Scripture is in the temple when Jesus was twelve
years old. The last reference concerning Mary is mentioned here. Both Joseph
and his bride Mary find themselves engaged in worship. Both find themselves in
a sacred space, worshipping together with fellow believers.
For seven consecutive weeks we were sheltered –in-place.
Public worship was limited to virtual services. We can be thankful for the
advances in technology allowing us to listen in on live radio broadcasts and
viewing a live-stream of the worship service. And we rejoice in the number of views
each service receives. We received 1,100
views of our Easter Festival service on our parish FacebookTM page
which is incredible. This indicates there is a hunger to hear and receive
Christ’s word of forgiveness and life.
Slowly we have opened out worship space practicing
social distancing, limiting the number of persons allowed to be present at one
time. Persons sixty-five and older and those with pre-existing or weakened
health conditions have been asked at this present time to stay at home.
While we look forward to that time when we can worship
together we must take into account each person’s family situation differs,
especially as it concerns their health and safety.
We are given to serve both faithfully and responsibly
in loving service and care for souls and the health and safety of our members
and our neighbors in the world.
These reflections are being written to help you along
your faith journey. We understand that all may not, at this time, be joining
us. All are free in Christ to keep to themselves and remain at home without guilt
or judgment.
As the body of Christ we stand ready to serve. To that
end spend each day with your Savior in prayer. Reach out to your sisters and
brothers in Christ. Attend to the needs
of others as you are able. Assist as you can. Serve others as Christ has cared
for you.
Merciful God, hear our fervent prayer
for all who suffer from the corona-virus. May those who are infected receive
the proper treatment and the comfort of Your healing presence. Look with
compassion on all who suffer because of this pandemic; relieve the pain of the
sick; give strength to those who care for them. May their caregivers, families and
neighbors be shielded from the onslaught of this disease.
Give solace
to those who grieve the loss of loved ones. Protect and guide those who strive
to find a cure, that their work may conquer the disease and restore communities
to wholeness and health. Help us to rise above fear. We ask all this through
the merits and mercies of Christ our Savior.
Grant, Lord,
that the course of this world may be so governed by Your direction that Your
church may rejoice in serving You in godly peace and quietness;
-Pr. Dahling
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