Sunday Reflection

Ascension of the Lord: The Feast of the Ascension of Jesus Christ is celebrated 40 days after Easter Day, marking the conclusion of Jesus’ post resurrection appearances and his ascension into heaven.

Celebration of this holy day dates back at least to the late fourth century, and scriptural references to Jesus’ ascension occur in both The Acts of the Apostles and the Gospel of Luke:

6 So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?’ 7 He replied, ‘It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ 9 When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 While he was going and they were gazing up towards heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. 11 They said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up towards heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.’” (Acts 1: 6-11, NRSVA).

50 Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; 53 and they were continually in the temple blessing God.” (Luke 24, NRSVA)

The Ascension of Jesus is also professed in the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed: “He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father” (B.A.S., pg.190).
Collect for Ascension Day: Almighty God, your Son Jesus Christ ascended to the throne of heaven that he might rule over all things as Lord. Keep the Church in the unity of the Spirit and in the bond of his peace, and bring the whole of creation to worship at his feet, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (B.A.S., pg. 343)

Rector’s Corner: To all of St. Michael’s prayer warriors, I continue to ask for your healing prayers for Andrew and George and their respective families, and to all in need. Prayers can help us to come to a greater understanding of God’s purpose for our lives. It also enables us to deliver strong messages of support and encouragement to one another.  When we pray, God intervenes in other people’s lives and blesses them.

Again, everyone is invited to come to Bible Study on Tuesday, 6:00pm, at St. Michael’s House. We would read the following: Acts 2:1-21; Romans 8:14-17; John 14.8-17.

The Tri Parish Ministry of the Church of the Epiphany, St. Helen’s and St. Michael’s will gather for our annual Service and Picnic in the Park on Pentecost Sunday, June 9th, 9:30-2:00, Bear Creek Park picnic area (entrance is off 140th Street). Bring your lawn chair. Share a side dish or dessert for the Fellowship Meal. All Welcome!

Just a few highlights of the 119th Synod of the Diocese of New Westminster. The Eucharist was presided by Her Grace, The Most Revd. Melissa Skelton. She also inducted two Archdeacons and four regional deans in the Diocese. The Synod affirmed the document, “A Word to the Church” (see details in the diocesan website). More to come in the next few weeks.