Living after the Ascension

Dear Cathedral Family,

Thursday of this week, May 29, is Ascension Day, forty days after the Resurrection, when Jesus ascended to the Father. The gospel readings for the last several Sundays have focused on Jesus’ preparation of his disciples for this occasion and what it would mean.

For us, the Ascension is the culmination of the Paschal Mystery at the heart of our faith—the suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. Our worship this Sunday will remind us that we live “after the Ascension.” Through these events, we know that Jesus loves us, lives with us, and advocates for us in heaven. And we come to know that the salvation that we experience is not just for you and me, but for the whole world.

The Great Fifty Days of Easter will come to a close on Sunday, June 8, on the Day of Pentecost. The coming of the Holy Spirit will fulfill Jesus’ promise of the One who would come to be our Advocate, teacher, and guide after his departure.

As we move into summer in the month of June, our children will begin Vacation Bible School as their Sunday School and Children’s Chapel experience. Our core ministries such as Loaves and Fish will continue as usual. In other areas of our shared life, we will enter a more relaxed pattern during this season of light and warmth as our young people enjoy their break from school and many families plan vacation times away.

I will be taking a break from this weekly message until later this summer, but you will continue to receive the weekly email containing worship and ministry information. I hope that this season will be a time of renewal and rest for all of us.

Faithfully,

Beverly+