Go Out Into the World
It seems we have arrived at the moment where Spring has hit the point of no return. The dandelions are up, for which the bees are grateful, and the grass has been cut a few times already. As we watch the wonder of the buds, insects, and birds return with colour, buzzing, and song, we simultaneously celebrate Ascension Sunday.
After spending weeks with the disciples, following the resurrection, Jesus physically leaves them. The lectionary notes from SALT tell us that Jesus's departing message is for the disciples to begin the work of creating the "Church". That is to say, to succeed him, to carry on his life and work, so that there will be joy "to the ends of the earth".
By actively being a presence of love, how can we fail, but to make the world a lovely place?
Mary Oliver has written a short, but beautiful poem demonstrating the marvellous wonders we may see, if we leave room to be astonished by this remarkable world we live in. Perhaps recognizing the splendour of the earth, can be the corner stone for building the beloved community Jesus desires us to build.
During this time of lock downs and social distancing, how can we fulfill Jesus's request to continue his work on earth? The article from Peak inspires us to find ways of doing just this. After all, it is precisely during difficult times, when this work is most important.
Building the Community of Church
Contributions of Wonder
by Mary Oliver | May 11, 2021
Mary Oliver was a Pulitzer Prize winning poet who drew her inspiration from the natural world. She had a lifetime passion for taking long solitary walks in the wild. This poem "The World I Live In" creates a feeling of awesomeness, magnificence and wonder in this world we all live in.
Contributions of Comfort
by Peak | April 20, 2020
This article outlines three specific steps we can take to reach out to others despite being restricted to our homes. The article explains how sharing research, ideas and time can help to bring comfort to those suffering on their own.
Contributions of Action
by SALT team | May 10, 2021
SALT presents either personal or online worship: “Friends, how good and pleasant it is to be together, in person or in spirit, encouraging and consoling, provoking and inspiring....Why do you stand looking up toward heaven? Go in peace — into the world, for the love of the world!”
Living Our Faith Day-to-Day
In honour of Asian Heritage month, here is a story about how our beliefs can stop us from making valuable connections with people from a different culture or faith tradition. This is a reminder of how in a challenging moment, we can use the teachings from Ascension Sunday, to make a powerful connection with others and to build the community Jesus invited us to build.