Acts 1: 1 – 14
The beginning of Acts, believed to be
written by Luke, picks up where the gospel of Luke ends. In fact, it repeats the last little bit.
The final chapter of Luke’s gospel tells
the story of the meeting on the road to Emmaus and a subsequent appearing of
Jesus to the disciples in Jerusalem where he eats and drinks with them to prove
to them that he is physically alive. He
teaches them the meaning of his life and death and resurrection in terms of
fulfillment of Scripture, and names them as witnesses whose job it will be to
tell others. In order to do this, he
promises to send them what my Father
promised to you (Luke 24:49). Then he blesses them and is carried up to
heaven.
This showing and commissioning is what is
repeated in today’s reading. To me that
suggests not just a transition to book 2 of the story, but also an emphasis on
the importance of what is repeated.
Over
a period of forty days, in face to face meetings, he talked to them about
things concerning the kingdom of God…..he told them they must wait for what the
Father promised:… you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit, and soon…And when
the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem,
all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world. (Acts 1: 3 – 8)
Forty days!
Plenty of time for anyone who wants to be certain that this is really
happening to be convinced – not a figment of imagination, a vision or dream, a
wish fulfillment private event.
The kingdom of God – the new and different
way to live, God’s priorities, forgiveness, inclusion of all, true freedom and
life.
The promise of the Holy Spirit – a gift
that comes from God in order that they will be able to share the good news
wherever they are or wherever they go.
As a result, we have their witness – in
words (gospels and letters) and in stories of people and events than span 2000
years. And we have the same promise of
the Holy Spirit, which we acknowledge as God’s gift to us in baptism. Our baptismal covenant helps us know how we
will be empowered by that Spirit to continue to be God’s witnesses/
messengers. We tell the good news in
words and in deeds and attitudes.
Today’s passage ends with an encouraging
note: They agreed they were in this for
good, completely together in prayer, the women included. (1:14)
May we all likewise agree to be in it for
good, united in prayer and deed, all included.
Blessings
Ann Kelland
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