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