My Dear Theophilus - Reflection Ascension Sunday/7th Sunday of Easter

Readings: Ascension & 7^th Sunday of Easter

My Dear Theophilus: There are those who say to we live in a post-Christian world and brag the God we love and know in this world is dead. They seemed to be a little confused. He was dead for three days; but, he rose again.

That’s a big shock; for the world, it’s unbelievable. Just like it was that day on Mt. Olivet, “They saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted.”

That is what’s wrong in the world, even with many who call themselves Christians. They see Christ in the world all around; they simply refused to accept it! They refuse to give glory to God. Doubt and unbelief robs them of joy.

What is it they are to believe? Maybe, it’s in the power of God’s love in the calamity of this world.

Maybe, its Jesus words, Father, they believe the words you gave to me and that I have given to them. They accepted them and understand I came from you, and they have believed you sent me.

It’s a shame to live in a world where Christ is not the loudest message and is often unheard. Instead all hear the message that God is dead. Sometimes, those calling themselves Christians are not sharing Christ’s love. Non-believers see hidden behind a label of Christian an ideology of bigotry, hate, and fear mongering detrimental to freedom and scientific thought. It’s too bad the world sees jaded ideology not true theology. It’s too bad the truth that is the freedom of God’s love is hidden by false truths.

My dear Theophilus, how do we get the truth to the world? How do we tell a post-Christian world the love of Christ?

He knew that for us to do this, He had to ascend into heaven. 

Jesus commanded us three things: Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.

Then Jesus promised, I am with you always, until the end of the age. And in another scripture, Jesus says, I do not pray for the world but for the ones you have given me…

Terrorism spreads across the world. Violence and death grows on the streets of our city. These portray a world that accepts God is dead as people are killed for hate.

Sadly believers die. By the witness of martyrdom, they bring the love of Christ to our community, our city, and our world. They tell the world God is not dead. Their lives are lived as witnesses to the ends of the earth.

My dear Theophilus, we live in a dangerous world, just like those who first believed. But hear the words of angels, "Why are you standing there looking at the sky?” Lover of God show that we believe.

Start in our neighborhoods. Go and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son, and the Holy Spirit; and teach them to observe all Jesus commanded. There should be no doubt by our witness that Christ is alive. There will be no doubt by our teaching that Christ rose from the dead and will come again.

Live in the joyful presence of the Holy Spirit, pray for the world, that the eyes of hearts be enlightened, and all will know the hope that belongs to his call.

Y’all be good, y’all be holy and preach the Gospel by the way you live and love. Amen.