We have arrived at the end of the Easter season in the church calendar. Throughout the season we heard the stories once again recounting the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, and we read about how the apostles, disciples, and followers of Jesus adjusted to the idea of Scripture fulfilled. Like the apostles, we have been…

Everybody knows that oysters sometimes make pearls; and that fascinating reality has been used to illustrate many a point. But here’s an old truth said in a new way, a way that gives it more power. It seems pearls aren’t automatic. When an oyster—who must ordinarily have an enviably calm life lying around eating soft,…

Our reading from the Acts of the Apostles today gives us an interesting glimpse into the lives of the earliest Christians. In this story, they were fresh from having witnessed the Ascension of Jesus Christ. His last words to them were: …you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you…

Alleluia, Christ is Risen! The Lord is Risen Indeed, Alleluia At the heart of today’s lessons is prayer. “Jesus prayed for his disciples…for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be consecrated.” (John 17:11,19) “And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have obtained the…

According to the scriptures, Jesus parted from his disciples and was carried up into heaven. He disappeared into a cloud. So much art and folk legend is attached to this almost magical understanding of how Jesus left his friends for the last time. The writer could have said, Jesus went around the corner and was…