Some doubted

Today is Ascension Thursday where the Church remembers Jesus’ ascending to the Father.  In the Gospel according to Matthew we read:

 

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).

 

Forty days after the Resurrection, the Son returns to the Father.  Prior to the ascension, Jesus calls his disciples together.  One of the amazing things in this passage is Matthew’s frankness that “some doubted.”  The 11 had been with Jesus throughout his entire public ministry.  They knew that he was crucified.  They saw the resurrected Jesus.  Nevertheless, some doubted.  Whenever doubts creep into your life, just remember that even some of the 11 who had witnessed the Resurrection and Jesus’ ascension doubted, but they soon found themselves doing just what Jesus told them to do—they went forth and made disciples and they baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and taught them to obey everything that Jesus commanded them.

 

Let us pray: Gracious God, there are times when my ability to trust seems absent. My heart longs for truth and I even find within me a kernel of desire to believe, but my mind seems unable to grasp the truth and belief that I seek. Let your sure and true presence wash over me, shedding shafts of light where only darkness resides, and in those shafts of light may I see the outline of your face. I ask this for the sake of your love. Amen.

 

CALENDAR REMINDERS

 

Every Wednesday, the Healing Arts Ministry with Lee Runion starting at 11:00 AM with a light lunch provided.

 

The Seaside Seniors meet every third Thursday of the month in Sutton Hall at 1100 AM.

 

The Adult Christian Education series continues: “The Resurrection: Now What?”  We have explored how the Bible came to be and now we will explore the Patristic period and the Nicene Creed.  Come join us at 11:00 AM on Sunday mornings.

 

Gospel by the Sea is 14 June at 6 PM at Greater St. Matthew’s Baptist Church, 6333 Highway 6, Hitchcock, Texas 77563.

 

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List and especially Pat, Patricia, and all of those who are serving in the Armed Forces.

 

Your servant in Christ,

 

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church

Galveston, Texas 77550