The Feast of the Ascension

Today is the Feast of the Ascension.  The Gospel reading for today is taken from the Gospel according to Matthew:

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’ (Mt. 28: 16-20).

Christ has died, and Christ is risen, and we await for Christ to come again.  Today, he ascends to his Father to reign over all creation, one heaven and on earth.  Jesus has ushered in the kingdom of God, and Jesus is Lord of all.  Sometimes we forget that Jesus is indeed King of all. You and I are to work for the kingdom, but we do not labor alone. Jesus is not far away is some inaccessible place.  Rather, we must remember what Jesus told his disciples as they accompanied Jesus up the mountain, “Remember that I am with you to the end of the age.”  Jesus is with us; he is with you and with me right now.  Jesus is with his Church until he comes again. 

Let us pray:  Almighty God, whose blessed Son our Savior Jesus Christ ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things: Mercifully give us faith to perceive that, according to his promise, he abides with his Church on earth, even to the end of the ages; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

CALENDAR REMINDERS

We will honor our graduates this Sunday, 20 May, at the Eucharist.

Sunday, 27 May, is Pentecost. Please remember to wear something red that day as we celebrate the birth of the Church.

11^th ANNUAL GOSPEL BY THE SEA, Saturday, 9 June at 6 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church on 1903 Church Street.

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially all of those suffering for their faith, Patricia, Robert, all of those who are ill, those seeking employment, and all of those who have no one to pray for them.

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas77550