Abandoned. Alone. Bereft. Inconsolable.
So often someone’s leave-taking feels like this.
Through the pain of separation, Jesus invites us to open our hands, our hearts, our minds, our bodies to receive his blessing. The gift of his indwelling presence in what is and feels like absence is not an easy one to unwrap. Yet Christ’s Spirit within us draws us to persist in unwrapping the gift of presence in absence.
Turn gently and compassionately towards all that feels left within you. Mysteriously, Christ is there, staying with you in the very place he seems gone. Often, we need the company of others to help us stay present to all that feels like absence.
Luke 24:44-53 (NIV)
He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”
Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.
For Reflection and Prayer:
Was there a word, a phrase, image, or feeling that ‘shimmered’ as you listened? Allow it to land in your heart. Stay with it. Savor it.
Reflect on what you heard. What effect does it have on you? What meaning does it hold for you? What does the Holy Spirit seem to be conveying to you? Talk it over in your prayer. Perhaps you want to draw or color your prayer or journal the conversation.
As the time of prayer comes to a close, share some moments of quiet with Jesus, simply resting safely in his presence.
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