Monday Musings by Pastor Ron - May 11, 2026
Friends,
This Thursday is the 40th day after Easter. It is the day that Jesus ascended to be with the Father. Our calendar calls this day Ascension of the Lord. Historically it has been celebrated with the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord. Most United Methodist congregations do not celebrate this feast since it falls in the middle of the week. Then it is followed by the last Sunday of Eastertide, so it isn't celebrated on the following Sunday either.
I mention this Thursday because it is an important day for us to remember. Jesus does several important things on our behalf on this day before he ascends to sit with God. We should take time to be aware of what those things are.
- First, he opened our minds to the Scriptures. Before he left his disciples Jesus gifted them an open mind. The ability to look at the world around them and understand what the Scripture said about that world and living in that world. Our minds are opened as well. Not to the ways the world interprets Scripture but to the truth of the Scripture that is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
- Second, he sent what his father had promised. We walk in this world in step with the Holy Spirit. The gift of the Ascension. The promise that words and teachings of Jesus would not be separated from us regardless of our inability to see him. We have been clothed with the power from on high. We have been given the gifts and talents necessary to continue God's work that were passed to us by Jesus.
- Lastly, we are blessed. Jesus led the disciples out to Bethany. There he blessed them, as he had many times before. This blessing was different. This was a blessing of parting. A blessing of benediction. A blessing for the end of one part of their lives but the beginning of an even more important one. We are blessed by God to go into this world and proclaim repentance and forgiveness of sins; to share the good news. We are blessed by God to go into this world and transform it into a place where loving God and loving our neighbor are the two most important things in life.
Then Jesus ascended to be with the Father. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. (Luke 24:51) This year don't overlook the Ascension of the Lord. Instead, celebrate it as the disciples did, by worshipping him with great joy. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy (Luke 24: 52) Maybe we subconsciously overlook this day because we don't want Jesus to leave us. If that is the case, fear not, for we are never alone.
God bless you. See you Sunday