Scripture & Reflection: Sunday 17th May - The Seventh Sunday of Easter - and for the week ahead:Scripture: 6 So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?’ 7 He replied, ‘It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ 9 When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 While he was going and they were gazing up towards heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. 11 They said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up towards heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.’ (Book of Acts 1.6-11)ReflectionChristians the world over have just celebrated Ascension Day. This is the day when we remember Jesus’ last moments on Earth and the way He left his followers; not dying as all ordinary folk do, but being lifted up and disappearing beyond a cloud. Does this sound like a crazy tale, maybe a case of wishful thinking or hallucination? It is so long ago, we cannot verify exactly what the disciples saw, or experienced. But one thing is sure, their experiences transformed them. They were no longer frightened or bewildered, but became confident and brave, daring to stand up and tell people about Jesus. That confidence, to stand up for what we be believe is right and true, even in the face of opposition, is one of the many gifts that the Holy Spirit brings at Pentecost, which we will celebrate on Sunday (24th of May). Please come and join us! Revd Ylva
