Great article! And hillarious the feet of Jesus, comical indeed!
The ascension is something i’ve thought about more deeply in the past few years. I’ve been struck by how it empowers the disciples (and us) to be partners with Christ in His work in ways we couldn’t if he were here “micromanaging” us. I think by “leaving” he is empowering us to participate more fully, He trusts us to do this work, in ways we hardly even believe is possible. The disciples, those hicks from the sticks, change the world in the space of just a few years! And like Jesus promises - you will do even greater works than i. The long term change Christianity has wrought is indeed spectacular!
Thanks for your reply Sierra. I agree with what you say and I have been thinking about the importance of Jesus’ physicality here a lot and the need to not downplay the Holy Spirit. In the Trinity. But yes to the shift from physical encounter to the critical encounter of prayer - from inperson to the God who is always present an active. Lots to think of there…..
I read your reflection as a repost by Christine Sine, and it brought to mind an artwork I created a couple years ago. Wishing I could share the images here, but a link will have to do - https://vondadrees.com/2023/03/17/finding-our-rhythm-ascension/. (The painted image can be found from the link at the end.) Sorry about a bit of wild goose chase via the links. Mostly, I want to express my appreciation for your words.
Thanks Vonda. I am wanting to use the substack as a form of prayerful reflection to explore things from a more spiritual contemplative Christian perspective.
Great article! And hillarious the feet of Jesus, comical indeed!
The ascension is something i’ve thought about more deeply in the past few years. I’ve been struck by how it empowers the disciples (and us) to be partners with Christ in His work in ways we couldn’t if he were here “micromanaging” us. I think by “leaving” he is empowering us to participate more fully, He trusts us to do this work, in ways we hardly even believe is possible. The disciples, those hicks from the sticks, change the world in the space of just a few years! And like Jesus promises - you will do even greater works than i. The long term change Christianity has wrought is indeed spectacular!
Wrestle on!
Thanks for your reply Sierra. I agree with what you say and I have been thinking about the importance of Jesus’ physicality here a lot and the need to not downplay the Holy Spirit. In the Trinity. But yes to the shift from physical encounter to the critical encounter of prayer - from inperson to the God who is always present an active. Lots to think of there…..
I read your reflection as a repost by Christine Sine, and it brought to mind an artwork I created a couple years ago. Wishing I could share the images here, but a link will have to do - https://vondadrees.com/2023/03/17/finding-our-rhythm-ascension/. (The painted image can be found from the link at the end.) Sorry about a bit of wild goose chase via the links. Mostly, I want to express my appreciation for your words.
Thanks Vonda. I am wanting to use the substack as a form of prayerful reflection to explore things from a more spiritual contemplative Christian perspective.