Excerpt from Acts 1:1-11

"Jesus told them that on no account were they to leave Jerusalem but 'must wait for…the promise you heard from me.  John baptized in water; you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit.'" (The Message)

Reflection by William C. Green

Today marks the ascension of Christ into heaven. Just as we are, the disciples are promised further blessing and told to expect it.

Jesus' admonition to not move on without this blessing is expressed in an old English Ascension Day custom called "well dressing." After the homily, the priest would lead a procession to the wells in the parish, which were nearly hidden by specially placed flowers. At each well, God's blessing was invoked to consecrate the waters and their purity. The wells were dressed with flowers as the promise of further blessing on which lives and livestock depended.

This old custom raises good questions today. What blessing have I already received? What are the "wells" of hope I can draw on for the strength I'll need as I move ahead? Weren't these wells of strength discovered before in difficult times? Should they be recalled—"dressed with flowers"—as the promise of further blessing? Without knowing the "grace that has brought me safe thus far" how can I receive and trust the grace that will lead me on?

We don't have Jesus by our side but he leaves behind the promise of fresh power and love. In our own experience we can find deep wells of this grace filled with the prospect of yet further blessing. There we find the promise our future holds.

Prayer

Keep my eyes and heart open to the signs of your Spirit on which my life depends. Amen.

About the Author William C. Green, a United Church of Christ minister, is the Director of Long Looking, a consultancy service specializing in fundraising and education for congregations. His new book, 52 Ways to Ignite Your Congregation: Generous Giving, has just been published.

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