Sunday 24 May 2020

EXPECTATIONS, CAUTION, PROMISE AND MISSION

A Meditation of Ascension Sunday

One of the readings appointed for today, comes from The Acts of the Apostles 1: 6-14. My reflection on this passage took me back to the days, when persons left the homeland in the Caribbean to try to better their lives in another country, usually the UK or USA. There were usually tearful goodbyes and embraces which had a ring of finality about them. Of course, there was always the hope that they would return as soon as possible, but some never did.

In any event, those being left behind needed to hear something reassuring from those who were leaving, while those leaving wanted to be assured that those being left would do their best to cope with life, difficult though it was at the time.

As time went by persons settled down to the life without the presence of those relatives of friend who travelled and there came the expectation of the remittances from abroad on a regular basis. This was to assist with life at home and took the form of finances and barrels of clothing and nonperishable goods, the latter two especially for Christmas and Easter. Often, other friends and relatives also benefited from these various remittances because there was a community spirit of caring and sharing.

The resurrection had taken place and Jesus had appeared with the disciples on more than one. His last appearance was just before he was taken up from them into heaven. He commanded them to wait in Jerusalem for the gift promised by the Father.

However, the disciples had their own expectation. Jesus was going to be leaving and for them it was inconceivable that he would leave without accomplishing the expected the restoration of Jerusalem. That was what they expected of the Messiah.

“Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel”? This question expressed their expectation based on their understanding of the mission of Jesus. We can recognize the sense of urgency in the question by the use of the words “at this time” suggesting that the next day weeks or months would be too late. It needed to be done before he left.

The question for us is, what are our expectations “at this time”, especially as we grapple with the COVID 19 Pandemic. Many have been asking many questions like why did God allow this to happen and when will it end? What is God saying through this and what he is going to do. Is the present situation a sign that the end is imminent? What we see and hear, perhaps even experience in this time, raises concerns.

We all have questions and expectations in life and for life. That is not necessarily a bad thing because life without having goals is like being adrift on the open seas without a compass.

However, we need to be careful that in our expectations we are not seeking to have God fit into our agenda and time frame.

Jesus cautions: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.” There is also Jesus’ promise which we can liken to the promise of remittances mentioned earlier. AND His expectation of us as recorded in verse 8: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you;(the promise), “and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (The expectation).

We must avail ourselves of the promise of the enabling power, the teaching and directing of the Holy Spirit which God in Jesus Christ makes available to His followers. Let us especially appreciate Spirit’s importance troubled times, as well as throughout our lives, as we seek to live up to His expectation of us. His expectation is even more pertinent for today because so many people claim to know what God in Jesus Christ is about to do especially as it relates to Jesus coming again to establish His rule. Clearly, the times and dates are set by the father's hands and not by our ideals. Therefore, let us not be overly concerned with things over which we have no control nor knowledge. Do not be overly concerned with interpreting the signs and events of the times. Instead use the time you carry out the mission given by Jesus, which is to be His witnesses in our immediate surroundings, in the wider community, among those who may not be friendly toward the Gospel and even to the ends of the earth.

Our witness could be simply showing concern, loving others, helping to supply needs as best we can, demonstrating in our live the fruit of the Spirit.

Some situations can be challenging, but God uses the challenging situations to create opportunities for the church to carry out its mission.

In conclusion, each of us must ask ourselves four simple, yet profound questions:

1. What are my expectations of God at this time of crisis?

2. Am I, by my expectations, trying to have God fit into my agenda?

3. Have I opened my life to the work of the Holy Spirit?

4. Am I seeking to carry out the mission entrusted to me by Jesus in a way that He expects of me?

In pondering these questions allow God to have his way, in our time, in our lives and according to his will and trust him in all things.

Let this prayer, known to many, take us through these troubling times:

“ God, grant me the grace to accept with serenity the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference. AMEN