The Great Transition

God has ascended amid shouts of joy,

    the Lord amid the sounding of trumpets.

Sing praises to God, sing praises;

    sing praises to our King, sing praises.

 

For God is the King of all the earth;

    sing to him a psalm of praise.

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭47:5-7

Reading: Philippians 2:6-11 ; Acts 1:9-11; Psalm 47;

  

During the forty days that Jesus spends on earth, between his resurrection and ascension, he appears before the women near the grave, the disciples on the road to Emmaus, all the apostles, and many others whose testimonies were written or went unwritten. Jesus shows that he can miraculously appear and disappear at his choosing and even share meals with his disciples. His disciples touch and feel his nail-pierced hands. We see through Jesus’s interactions that even after his death he continues to be very human in many ways. He speaks, eats, drinks, and above all showers his love on all the people. As we read and hear the testimonies of the disciples on the Ascension we marvel at the supernatural transition of the risen body of Christ from this world to the heavenly realms.

The gospel of Matthew ends with the great commission on the mountains in Galilee (Matthew 28:16-20) where Jesus empowers the disciples to go forth into the world as Apostles to preach, teach and baptize in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He assures them that he will be with them to the end of time.  The Ascension is the miraculous transfiguration of Jesus passing from this physical dimension to the eternal spiritual dimension through a veil of clouds.  The Book of the Acts of the Apostles begins dramatically with the Ascension at Bethany near the Mount of Olives Acts 1:9-11. Of the four gospels only two, Mark (Mark 16:19) and Luke (Luke 24:51) record the Ascension. Many Christians across the world do not observe this as a memorable anniversary like they do Christmas, Good Friday and Easter. The great transition of Christ physically from this world and the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost is separated by the Ascension.

As they look up forlornly watching Jesus disappear behind the cloud of glory, two men dressed in white tell them not to keep gazing into heaven for a time will come when Jesus will return the same way he went into heaven (Acts 1:10-11). Ascension is a turning point in the life of the disciples as they transition to becoming Apostles of Christ who go out into the world to preach and teach the Gospel message all over the world. The Ascension is the precursor to the Pentecost ten days later, that Jesus foretells to his disciples as the time when they will be baptized by the Holy Spirit (John 16:7; Acts 2:33). 

The entire New Testament after the gospels are the acts of the Spirit of Christ working in the lives of the Apostles and Disciples who present their bodies as living sacrifices to serve their Lord and Savior (Romans 12:1-2).  St. Paul says that once Christ transitions to heaven, God exalts Him above everything in Heaven and on Earth (Ephesians 1:20-23; Philippians 2:9). The Ascension of Christ is a call for us to have a binocular vision where we see Christ enthroned above in Heaven while we live our lives on earth (Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 3:1-3). Christ, our High Priest, is in the presence of God assuring us of mercy and grace in our time of need (Hebrews 8:1; 9;24; 4-14-16; 7:25). Everyone who confesses the name of Jesus as Lord will be saved (Romans 10:5-13; Acts 2:21).  As the Holy Spirit comes into our lives, the breath of eternal life renews and opens our hearts and minds to confess Jesus as our Lord and bear the fruits of the Spirit in our lives. The Holy Spirit helps us to use our own unique gifts to bring glory to God and His Kingdom.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, King of glory, your name is exalted over all the Earth and Heaven. With great triumph you entered into your kingdom in heaven. Lord fill us with your Holy Spirit, comfort us when we are grieving, strengthen us when we are weak, and bear fruit within us to glorify your name through our lives. Amen

Soli Deo Gloria

Mysteries of the Kingdom

Resurrection, Baptism, and Spiritual Transformation

As we journey through the pages of Scripture, we encounter moments of profound revelation and transformation that illuminate the mysteries of the kingdom of God. From the resurrection of Jesus to the spiritual awakening of the apostle Paul, these sacred encounters invite us to delve deeper into the truth of God's love and redemption.

In Luke 24:1-7, we witness the awe-inspiring moment when the women at the tomb are met by two men dressed in white robes, bearing the miraculous news of Jesus' resurrection. Symbolic of baptism, these white robes signify a new beginning, a spiritual rebirth that transcends earthly limitations. They remind us that through Christ's victory over death, we too are called to rise to new life in him.

The significance of baptism is further underscored by the Didache, the earliest known manuscript on baptismal practices. It serves as a testament to our sacred task of opening the gifts of the kingdom of heaven, of embracing the graces bestowed upon us through the sacrament of baptism.

As we turn to the Psalms, we are reminded of the prayers and praises of the people, lifting their voices to a God who reigns supreme over all creation. Yet, in his infinite love and mercy, God humbled himself to dwell among us, bridging the divide between humanity and divinity through the sacrifice of his Son.

The apostle Paul, in his encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus, experienced a profound spiritual awakening that transformed his life forever. Blinded by his own spiritual blindness, Paul's eyes were opened to the truth of Christ's love and redemption. Through the prayers of Ananias and the lifting of the veil that separated his mind from Christ, Paul was able to see with unveiled faces the transformative power of God's grace.

In Christ, the sin that once separated us from God has been lifted, and we are welcomed into the family of God as beloved children. As we grow spiritually in the kingdom of God, we are called to a realistic appraisal of our strengths and weaknesses, knowing that through Christ, we are being transformed into his likeness.

As we reflect on the mysteries of the kingdom, may we be reminded of our Savior, King, and Forerunner, who has gone before us to prepare a place for us. May we draw strength and inspiration from his love and grace, as we continue our journey of faith and prayer in the unfolding story of God's kingdom on earth.

Soli Deo Gloria

Breakfast by the Sea

Reading John 21:1-19

The gospel of John closes gracefully in chapter twenty with even doubting Thomas believing in the resurrection of Jesus. Chapter twenty concludes by saying that the purpose of Jesus’s life, teachings and miracles are recorded for all his followers who come later to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, and all who believe in him will inherit eternal life (John 20:30-31). However John continues the gospel with an epilogue in chapter 21 where he lingers around the intimacy the disciples shared with Jesus after his resurrection but before his ascension. We do not know for sure how many times he meets with them for the details are not written. On the other hand we can assume that he continues to show them how deeply he loves and dearly cares for each one of them. Jesus after his resurrection instructs the disciples to go ahead to Galilee where he will come and meet them (Matthew 28:5-10,16). We believe they fellowship together praying and preparing themselves for Pentecost before they start their ministry in full swing, empowered by the Holy Spirit to reach the hearts of those to whom they present the gospel.

One evening Peter says to the disciples, “I am going fishing,” and they say, “We will come with you.” So seven of them set out to go fishing. They fish all night but catch no fish. At dawn suddenly they see a stranger calling out to them from the shore, “Lads did you catch any fish?” Weary, hungry and disappointed, they say, “Not a thing.” He tells them, “Throw your nets on the other side.” They are rewarded with a bountiful catch. John’s sharp mind realizes it is Jesus, and he tells Peter, “It is the Lord.” Peter is overjoyed and leaps out of the boat to rush over to the shore to greet his risen Lord. Jesus waiting by a charcoal fire serves them fish roast and bread. He says to them, “Come let us have some breakfast.”

We wonder why Peter and the disciples didn’t recognize Jesus at first. After an unsuccessful night of fishing they suddenly hear an unknown encouraging voice calling out for them to try again, another way. Did Jesus direct the fish to their net and perform another miracle? The voice of guidance can come from anywhere. Are we open and listening? We can clearly see a striking similarity to a flashback by the Sea of Galilee when Jesus first commissions Peter to become his disciple (Luke 5:1-11). In this testimony after a long day of preaching to the crowds from Peter’s boat Jesus says to him to, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” Peter apparently had fished all night and come up with nothing, but when he obeys Jesus’ command he is rewarded with a bountiful catch. Peter is amazed at the turn of events in his second expedition into the sea. He realizes that Jesus performed a miracle, and he confesses to Jesus saying he is so unworthy of this success or to keep company with someone so divine. But Jesus assures him that he has great hope for him and asks him to join him in fishing for people.

Fisherfolk risk their lives every time they set out to fish in the perilous sea. Reflecting on the calling of Jesus to fish for people we wonder, “Isn’t the sea like the chaotic dark world?” The net that sweeps the sea to draw in people have to be always cleaned and kept in mint condition. The net does not show any discrimination on the kind of fish it catches. The net is like the church that can draw and hold an unlimited number of people from all nations. Jesus calls Peter to the perilous task to draw people from this dark world into the Light of the Kingdom of God.

When he washes the disciples feet before the last supper we are amazed as Jesus exemplifies the role of a leader. Jesus eats, drinks and even serves the disciples breakfast. The breakfast by the sea reveals to us the reality of the resurrection. Following breakfast in the presence of all the other disciples Jesus turns to Peter who denied him three times publicly. Jesus calls him by his first name Simon (Matthew 26:31-36) asking three times, “Simon son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?” Peters response is, “ Yes Lord, you know I do.” Jesus responds by saying, “Feed my sheep.” To feed means to nourish and care for the needs of the children of God who like sheep will more often than not be very challenging.

Jesus graciously shows Peter that he is fully forgiven. We wonder what Jesus meant by “more than these.” Could it be the fishing boat and net, or the other disciples, or the fish? Isn’t it a challenge to love the Lord with all our heart, more than the things we value in our lives? Yet it is Peter’s love for Jesus that will strengthen his faith in him in the years to come. It is a beautiful crowning moment in Peter’s life to be openly restored and recommissioned, in the presence of the other disciples, by the Good Shepherd to be a loving Shepherd of his flock.

Prayer:

Dear Lord just as you forgave Peter and restored him, forgive us for the times we have denied you in thought, word and deed. Teach us through the Holy Spirit to listen to your commands to throw our nets out to fish for people just as you did with your disciples. Amen

Soli Deo Gloria

Doubting Thomas

Reading John 20: 24-29

Many of us can identify with St. Thomas as the patron Saint of Doubt. We are constantly bombarded with situations where we have to decide to believe or disbelieve, to trust or distrust, facts or fiction, and so on and so forth. Yet over time the decisions we make mold us into becoming who we are today. When the disciples break the good news that Jesus is alive, Thomas is very clear about his terms of faith in the resurrection. Unless he sees and touches the scars on Jesus’ hands and side, he remains steadfast in his disbelief of the testimony of the disciples (John 20:24-25). We wonder where Thomas was when Jesus appeared to the disciples. Did Thomas stay away from the fellowship of the disciples because he is so brokenhearted from the betrayal, arrest, duplicitous trial and brutal death of Jesus? 

There are two notable incidents in the gospel of John where we see Thomas speaking passionately to Jesus and the disciples. The first time is when Jesus is called urgently to come to Judea to heal the dying Lazarus, however the Jews were all set to stone him if they crossed paths. Thomas, filled with love and loyalty to Jesus, courageously says he would go with Jesus to his death (John 11:7-16). The second time is at the last supper when Jesus reveals he is going away soon to the father saying, “You know the way to where I am going” (John 14:4-7). On hearing this revelation Thomas says, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” The impatient despair in Thomas’s frank question to Jesus is clear evidence that he doesn’t really understand who Jesus was or what he meant by this departing dialogue.

Is Thomas so brokenhearted that he just can’t get past the grief and doubts that overwhelm him? Or is it that he desperately longs to have the same personal experience that the other disciples had with the Lord? It is amazing that even after being with Jesus at the raising of Lazarus from the dead, he just does not understand that with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).

A week later Jesus comes back to visit his disciples and this time Thomas is with them. Jesus knows Thomas has doubts so he asks Thomas to touch and see that all his conditions for belief are met. Looking at Jesus with awe and reverence all he can say is, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus says to Thomas,”You believe because you have seen with your own eyes. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe” (John 20:26-29). Jesus says we are blessed if we can believe in his resurrection without having seen him like his disciples.The gospel message that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God by whom we all receive eternal life can be found in the Bible. The sermons and parables of Jesus, along with the testimony, epistles and acts of the apostles are all we need to believe. Above all practicing the two commandments that are fundamental to our faith and witness as Christians is our love for God and our neighbor.

Don’t we all have our share of doubts and need for personal experiences? We have our own threshold for when we are willing to believe anyone or anything. Isn’t the opposite of doubt, faith? St. Anselm of Canterbury of the eleventh century is famous for his quote, “faith seeking understanding” (fides quaerens intellectum). What he means by that often misunderstood quote is, “an active love for God seeking a deeper knowledge of God.” To build our faith in Jesus, we have to first accept that God loves us and we in turn love him too. Just as St. Anselm’s love drove him to a deeper knowledge, we should use this as a model to grow our faith through this mutual bond of love with the Lord. As we face trials and tests in our lives that cause us to doubt, we learn to grow in faith by the confidence (hope) that God loves us and wants the best for us in our life. St. Paul says that to build our faith without love is really nothing of any value (1 Corinthians 13:2).

In the psalms we see that the Psalmists never question whether God exists but they lament crying out to God why they have been abandoned or their enemies have dominion over them. It is amusing that in St. Anselm’s book, Proslogion, he writes about the “Fool” who has said in his heart, “There is no God” (like the psalmist says Psalm 14:1). In this meditation he strives to reach the Christians who seek a rational basis for their faith in God. St. Anselm’s conclusion with so much of reverence and awe is, “A being than which none greater can be conceived must exist, and we call this being God.”

St. Paul says that God decides the measure of faith each one receives (Romans 12:3). For some faith is a God given gift. A key to faith is to humbly understand our identity in Christ. We judge ourselves conscientiously based on how God sees us and not as the world does. To some doubt is a normal phase in their spiritual lives, there is no need to be alarmed by those thoughts and feelings.  Michael Faraday the brilliant scientist who grew up in a good Christian home, became a believer much later in his life. He was a faithful member of a church from boyhood but passed through a sea of doubts until one day he came to humbly witness the reality of Christ in his life. It was his perseverance to seek God through his fellowship with other believers and share in their faith experiences that leads him to finally become a believer (Luke 11:5-12). When brilliant scientists like Faraday doubt yet still believe it gives us hope.

C. S. Lewis in his book “ Grief Observed ” writes about the pain of losing his wife when he doubted the goodness and fairness of God. He says, “My idea of God is not a divine idea. It has to be shattered from time to time. He shatters it himself. He is the great iconoclast. Could we not almost say that this shattering is one of the marks of his presence?” When spiritual giants like Lewis doubt yet still believe, it gives us hope. To Lewis, faith comes to us as a gift, the grace of the comforting presence of God reaching out and touching our shattered lives, when we confront significant downturns like death, disease, alcoholism, drug addiction, abuse, bankruptcy etc. Like the potter shapes and reshapes each piece to his delight, so God shapes us into masterpieces with his skill and creativity (Ephesians 2:10).

Jesus said to to Thomas,”You believe because you have seen with your own eyes. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe” (John 20:26-29).  How do we believe in an invisible God? It is by being joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer (Romans 12:12).  St Paul urges us to offer our lives as a living sacrifice to God and use our gifts to serve one another in love (Romans 12:1-2, 6-8). We are bound to face trials and turbulences in our lives. Can we climb half way up a mountain and then give up? If we do reach heights that seem unscalable in life, with the help of the Holy Spirit we persist in prayer like the parable of the persistent widow until we find our way again (Luke 18:1-8). There will be times we lament with all our heart to God like the Psalmist until we are comforted by the presence of God in our lives (Psalm 55:17). The important act of faith is to pray fervently and not let our problems and pain fester within us. When we articulate our doubts to a caring prayer fellowship group it helps to clean up the toxicity in our lives. The path to spiritual maturity is through childlike humility of learning to trust in the path God has carved out for us to walk through (Matthew 18:1-4). A critical step in prayer is when we surrender our doubts to a loving God and ask him to help us understand with the help of the Holy Spirit enlightening us with God’s Word. We stand on the promises that God the author and perfecter of our faith will mold us to be perfect one day. (Hebrews 12:2; Romans 8:29-30; Philippians 1:6). 

Prayer: - Lord Jesus, your living presence in the lives of Thomas and the other disciples drew them with chords of love to believe in your resurrection. Oh Lord shine in our hearts the light of your glory that we may grow in faith, hope and love to believe in you as our Savior and Lord. Amen

Soli Deo Gloria