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Daily Scripture

+ Ascension Thursday

There is no proof; there are only witnesses.

Readings: Acts 1:1-11 Ephesians 1:14-23 Luke 24:46-53

You are witnesses of all these things. And now I am sending down to you what the Father has promised. Stay in the city then, until you are clothed with the power from on high. [Luke 24:50-51]

In an age of technology and scientific progress, we have an explanation for everything or at least the promise of the same. Yet, there are still truly human experiences – both positive and negative—that defy human explanation. Death is one such experience. Doctors know the medical reasons for death but an autopsy doesn’t tell the whole story. Conversely, who can explain the field of energy that binds lovers for life?

During his life on earth Jesus created a field of energy that changed the course of history and it did not cease at his death or even at his resurrection. It continues to this day – locally and globally. Or else how explain the heroism of the saints of yesterday and the saints of today? Women and men, energetic witnesses who have said ‘yes’ to unconditional love under any and all circumstances continue to change the course of history in the face of those who attempt to chain the Word of God. No, most of them are not formal preachers or even religious teachers per se, but people who live the message of the Gospel of Jesus day in and day out.

The gospel today is typical of the departure of a hero. We might even consider it the conclusion of a hero story. Jesus assures his disciples that he is not abandoning them. Not only that but he will send an advocate who will empower them to continue his mission. “You will be clothed with power from on high.” They will be clothed with the mantle of Christ just as the ancient Elijah was clothed in the mantle of Elias before Elias departed in his chariot to the heavens. It’s metaphor and allegory, of course but the underlying truth of Jesus mission will continue to be proclaimed as Good News for all.

But hang in there until Pentecost when the gifts of the Spirit will be renewed and we will be empowered once more to preach the Good News—using words only when necessary.

Prayer for the Church In A Time of Trial

Monday December 13, 2004

I offered this prayer at the opening of the recent Candle Light Vigil in front of the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark on December 4th. It is posted today as a reminder that NJ Assembly Bill A2512 is coming up for a vote today or later this week. Your continue support will be appreciated.

God of the universe,
Origin of life and source of all things good,
we praise you for the joy of this season of longing and expectation
and for the beauty of this night

We believe that you have loved us into being
in your image, male and female.
In you we find the beautiful qualities of man and woman:
mother and father; sister and brother.

And we believe that have called us into a partnership with you
and with people of good will everywhere,
so that we may collaborate with you
and you with us
in making our world a place in which truth and justice reign.

We believe that life works better on this earth when people of good will
open their minds and hearts to you as the source of goodness,
and when they join hands with each other across the streets
and across he world.
as companions of a journey
breaking down barriers of mistrust and misunderstanding.

Loving God, we believe that Jesus was the most loving example
of how we can live as sisters and brothers
in this global village we call “mother earth.”

We believe that you did not send Jesus to die for us
but to live for us and for all humanity.
We believe that he was an itinerant preacher
but more than that, a servant of humanity
especially to the poor and disenfranchised.

We believe that the power of your Spirit continues to pervade the universe
And we believe that your Spirit continues to speak to the minds and hearts of believers and nonbelievers alike,
Empowering us to goodness and justice.

Gracious God, listen to our prayer this evening
Attend to our peaceful vigil in the pursuit of what we believe
Is a righteous cause
Attend to the pain of our wounded brothers and sisters.
Soften the hearts of those who are called to shepherd us.

We seek wisdom not mindless folly;
We seek mercy not pity;
We seek justice not vengeance;
We seek healing not hate;
We seek bread not empty promises made of stone;
We seek compassion not mere compensation.

Loving God we praise you for the gift of life.
As we remember those whose life was taken from them
Or who took their own life rashly
because they saw no other way,
we pray for strength to us, the living
and for a lamp to our feet
and a light to our path.

Bring us all to a new truth;
And give our shepherds and our lawmakers
the courage to do what is right and just
And keep us ever mindful of all those whose hunger knows no end.

We pray in the name of Jesus who is the light the truth and the way,
today, always and forever. Amen.

Father Lasch