RBWords

[In most of the U.S.A., the feast of the Ascension is transferred to next Sunday.]

 

    

  

     We all know from our childhood how LONG a "little while" can be!  We have a hard time accepting those words from Mom or Dad!  We keep asking, "When?" or "Are we there yet?"  Jesus has a way in these "paintings" of speaking literally and figuratively at one and the same time!  In terms of the story, he is speaking of his death and resurrection.  On a more figurative level, he is speaking of the Spirit that will enable the disciples to "see" him and proclaim him because he is 'going to the Father."  In the story, Jesus' arrest and terrible death will be a traumatic shock.  His resurrection and appearances to the disciples will be a different kind of shock!  It will mean "not seeing" and then "seeing" again. 

 

     When we look at these paintings, we hope we are seeing them as more than works of art.  We hope we can see them with the eyes of faith so that Jesus' message comes through.  They can help us to "see" the Spirit of truth working in our lives because Jesus came forth from the Father and returned to the Father and yet remains with us through the Spirit.  There is more to come.  If we feel a bit bewildered at times, we can consider those disciples whose heads may have been spinning as events begin to close in on them!   AMEN