Jesus Sends His Spirit
Dear Hope Church Family,
Here’s a brief word about the next few weeks in the worshipping life of the church:
This Sunday we recognize Jesus’ ascension into heaven, which is commemorated on the fortieth day after Easter (which is today, May 14). Celebrating Christs’ ascension helps us to remember that, not only did our crucified Savior raise from the dead, but he reclaimed his place at the right hand of the Father. This status and authority he uses to pray and intercede on our behalf to the Father.
Next Sunday we celebrate the Pentecost, or the sending of the Holy Spirit to the followers of Jesus, as described in Acts 2. After ascending to the Father, Jesus sends his Spirit and establishes his church on earth to continue the work of advancing the Kingdom of God throughout the world.
Pentecost marks the end of the season of Eastertide and the beginning of Ordinary Time. We begin this season with Trinity Sunday, where we remember that God exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, “one God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory.” (WSC Q.6). The trinity exists in perfect unity and communion, and we are invited into that communion and to share that unity with one another as we go about our lives during this season and at all times.
Wilson
Art: Detail from Christi Himmelfahrt by Gebhard Fugel, c. 1893