Feast of the Ascension

The scriptures begin with Theophilus being addressed whose name means the ‘lover of God’ of ‘beloved of God’.  It is addressed to all of us. Today’s feast, despite some views, is not about focusing on ‘heaven up there’ but on God’s presence everywhere and in everyone. By implication is not only about his presence but our presence. Jesus’ presence and our presence as witness cannot be separated. The disciples were assured ‘You will receive power’ – the power to love as Jesus loved; to be present with and be for the hungry, the naked, the powerless and homeless; the power to resist those who dominate, exploit and treat others unjustly; to give oneself for others; to persevere in the face of difficulty and opposition; and do things they never thought possible. This includes recognising a different agenda to the powers in the world.

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Solidarity is the kind of presence that costs you something.

Cole Arthur Riley

 Humankind has not woven the web of life.

We are but one thread within it.

Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.

All things are bound together.

All things connect.

Chief Seattle

Fifth Sunday of Easter

For my ancestors, spirituality was a matter of thinking globally and acting locally. The visionary wisdom of indigenous people looks out into the vastness of time and space. And yet, as mystical as they may be, indigenous traditions are rooted deeply into a particular place with a particular people. They are local and they are daily – that transformative context where the sacred becomes a way of life.

Steven Charleston, Native American Elder and Episcopalian Bishop

Fourth Sunday of Easter

In each of today’s readings, we are invited to recognize Christ’s resurrection as a reality that transforms how we live and how we serve others every day. Most of us have some responsibility for others and so today’s gospel is for all of us especially those - parents, teachers, priests and bishops - who are entrusted with vulnerable people. The image of God as shepherd is central to the Bible. In Ezekiel it rebukes uncaring and unjust leaders. In Psalm 23, it is one of comfort and protection. It is a powerful symbol of Jesus, the humble servant who lays down his life for others. Prior to being enthroned in theology and art as imperial ruler or a tortured victim, Jesus was shepherd, teacher, and healer.

There is nothing remote about Jesus’ resurrection. He comes among us in concrete ways – through flesh and blood and touch. It is bodily. God cares about our bodies and our planet - especially those bearing wounds and scars. Where flesh and bone do not convince, Jesus asks for food. At the heart of the Christian story is the claim that God’s love is expressed in the most intimate way possible - by becoming one of us. By being embedded in the human, God is always present wherever we are – present in us. It is also how God gets into the world. God revels in physicality and it is through our bodies that we express our faith. In all his resurrection appearances, Jesus shows the scars that mar his body.