Embrace the overlapping rhythms of worship, care for others, and justice; confront the ways your privilege and ease may come at the expense of another and consider how you may contribute to the ministry of reconciliation
Celebrate with a picnic or climb the highest nearby heights to imitate the Mount of Olives from where Jesus ascended

VISIO DIVINA

The rising dove and breaking chains are traditional symbols associated with Jesus’ ascension into heaven from earth. Rays of light numbering seven represent the wholeness and completion of Jesus’ reunion with his divine Father. These are crowned with a laurel wreath, the ancient symbol of victory, to represent Jesus’ triumph over sin, death, and the powers of evil. We accept the invitation to freedom offered through Jesus’ victory over sin, as well as our call to join him in bringing freedom and justice to others.

BENEDICTION

We saw his light break through the clouds of glory
Whilst we were rooted still in time and place,
As earth became a part of heaven's story
And heaven opened to his human face.
We saw him go and yet we were not parted,
He took us with him to the heart of things,
The heart that broke for all the broken-hearted
Is whole and heaven-centered now, and sings;
Sings in the strength that rise out of weakness,
Sings through the clouds that veil him from our sight,
Whilst we ourselves become his cloud of witness
And sing the waning darkness into light;
His light in us, and our in him concealed,
Which all creation waits to see revealed.

("Ascension Day" from Sounding the Seasons by Malcolm Guite, 2012, Canterbury Press Norwich)