In St John’s Cathedral, behind the altar, there is a painting which shows Jesus’ Ascension: Jesus leaving behind his Earthly life so that unconfined, all people can know his spiritual presence in all places and in all generations, writes The Very Rev’d Margi Campbell, Provost of St John’s Episcopal Cathedral, Oban.
Looking carefully at our painting, you will see that he is ascending over the Island of Kerrera, with the faces of the disciples modelled on people in the Cathedral when it was painted in the early 1900’s. The artist is reminding us that Jesus is no longer limited to 1st century Palestine but his spiritual presence is with us, here and now to support us in whatever is happening in our lives.
As I write this, there is huge uncertainty in our politics and across the world, and much may have happened during the intervening week before it is published on Ascension Day; but whatever we are facing, amidst concerns personally, locally, or in the world, which often feels so precarious, the Christian faith points us to a God, who, regardless of time or place, can give strength and direction to live in ways that offer peace and inspire deep care for all humanity.
That was the message the early followers shared, that we still try our best to model, speak of and celebrate, and as we look at Jesus ascending over us, even when all around seems uncertain, we know that, with his spirit, we have the means to find hope for life now and in the future.
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