We saw his light break through the cloud of glory
Whilst we were rooted still in time and place
As earth became a part of Heaven’s story
And heaven opened to his human face.
From Ascension Day by Malcolm Guite
Contradictions cannot be avoided in the Feast of the Ascension which we celebrated this week. The absence of Jesus sits directly alongside the intimate presence of Jesus. Christ is nowhere and Christ is everywhere.
Perhaps the contradictions are just what we need to present us slipping into casual certainties and final answers. Jesus, the human one, is bound by time and place, but ascension sets the risen Christ free throughout the world to live and work in the hearts and minds of all who are empowered by the Spirit to follow him. The project there begun has continued down the ages, calling new followers to incarnate Christ in each time and place, working for justice and bringing God’s mercy and peace.
We are invited to be co-creators, partnering with the God who is nowhere and everywhere, but drawing us with delight into a dance where the steps are still being written.
Grace and peace,
Sue+