I'm gonna love you for forever, that's what he used to say
Then you found out that forever ended last Tuesday…
So begins a song called “Life is Long” by Carolyn Arends. It comes to mind as I reflect on Jesus’ last words to his disciples on that hill near Jerusalem: “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age,” followed immediately by “Bye!”
The difference is that Jesus meant it – and he had the resources to back it up. Having just told his disciples to go out and spread the Good News to the whole world, Jesus wasn’t about to leave them alone in that task. Nor has he left us alone. But it can be hard to be aware of his presence. Here are a few ways I know to draw on that promise of forever, one moment at a time:
Prayer – when we allow our minds to quiet and invite the Spirit to fill us, it is the Spirit of Christ who comes to us. The visually inclined can ask Jesus to show up in our imagination in some place and form that resonates for us, where we can talk and listen to him - and just hang out.
Praise – when we release our spirits in praise, singing or admiring beauty or enjoying an intimate meal, we often feel a presence in us and around us. That is Christ, joining our praises.
Eucharist – we say those words and embody those actions in order to remember him, because he said to… and remember means more than "recall." It means to re-attach, reconnect, reconstitute the members of a body. We receive the life of Christ in those signs of his body and blood – and Jesus has promised to be there with us.
In the Hungry and Forgotten – Jesus said when we feed and clothe and visit and tend to those in need, we do it for him (Matthew 25). Doing ministry among people with obvious needs – and many assets, don’t forget – is a wonderful way to be with Jesus. Ask him in advance to show himself to you.
Ministries of Power – Jesus told his followers that when the Spirit came, they would do even greater works than they’d seen him do. When we pray for healing or reconciliation or exercise spiritual power in Jesus’ name, we are invoking his presence in us. We certainly have many opportunities to exercise the power of the Spirit around us these days.
What are the ways you sense the presence of Jesus? Are there times you feel abandoned by him anyway? Those feelings are normal, especially when a lot of things seem to be going wrong. God invites us to pray through them, to pipe up and say, “What happened to, ‘I will be with you always?’ Not feeling it…"
Always is a long time. Moment by moment, we can experience Christ with us, and expand our capacity to perceive his presence. In some ways, the most powerful prayer we can offer is “Come, Lord Jesus.” I believe he always answers that one.
So begins a song called “Life is Long” by Carolyn Arends. It comes to mind as I reflect on Jesus’ last words to his disciples on that hill near Jerusalem: “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age,” followed immediately by “Bye!”
The difference is that Jesus meant it – and he had the resources to back it up. Having just told his disciples to go out and spread the Good News to the whole world, Jesus wasn’t about to leave them alone in that task. Nor has he left us alone. But it can be hard to be aware of his presence. Here are a few ways I know to draw on that promise of forever, one moment at a time:
Prayer – when we allow our minds to quiet and invite the Spirit to fill us, it is the Spirit of Christ who comes to us. The visually inclined can ask Jesus to show up in our imagination in some place and form that resonates for us, where we can talk and listen to him - and just hang out.
Praise – when we release our spirits in praise, singing or admiring beauty or enjoying an intimate meal, we often feel a presence in us and around us. That is Christ, joining our praises.
Eucharist – we say those words and embody those actions in order to remember him, because he said to… and remember means more than "recall." It means to re-attach, reconnect, reconstitute the members of a body. We receive the life of Christ in those signs of his body and blood – and Jesus has promised to be there with us.
In the Hungry and Forgotten – Jesus said when we feed and clothe and visit and tend to those in need, we do it for him (Matthew 25). Doing ministry among people with obvious needs – and many assets, don’t forget – is a wonderful way to be with Jesus. Ask him in advance to show himself to you.
Ministries of Power – Jesus told his followers that when the Spirit came, they would do even greater works than they’d seen him do. When we pray for healing or reconciliation or exercise spiritual power in Jesus’ name, we are invoking his presence in us. We certainly have many opportunities to exercise the power of the Spirit around us these days.
What are the ways you sense the presence of Jesus? Are there times you feel abandoned by him anyway? Those feelings are normal, especially when a lot of things seem to be going wrong. God invites us to pray through them, to pipe up and say, “What happened to, ‘I will be with you always?’ Not feeling it…"
Always is a long time. Moment by moment, we can experience Christ with us, and expand our capacity to perceive his presence. In some ways, the most powerful prayer we can offer is “Come, Lord Jesus.” I believe he always answers that one.
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