This Thursday is Ascension Day, when we remember Jesus returning to heaven. I will be worshipping at St Mary’s Church in Hemyock, and you will be welcome to join me at 7.30pm

It is 40 days after Easter Sunday. Jesus has completed his turn on earth on and it is time to return to heaven. Since his resurrection Jesus has met with his disciples and others, he has shared breakfast on the beach, a walk along the road to Emmaus, and gently addressed Thomas’ doubts. Peter has been forgiven. Now he has to leave them once and for all.

In 9 days time the promised Holy Spirit will come upon them all, but for now, it’s time to say goodbye. They gather in Bethany, a place that has been special to Jesus, the place where Martha and Mary and Lazarus lived and often offered him a home. Here Jesus imparts his final teaching, reminds his closest friends that he came to fulfil the Law and the Prophets, and he has done so now. Then he blesses them, and as he is blessing them he is carried up into heave.

The very last thing Jesus does is bless his friends.

When was the last time you were blessed? Not when you sneeze and some kindly person responds with ‘Bless you!’, almost a knee jerk reaction; not when someone does something kind for you, or compliments you; but a deeply thought through, prayerful word of blessing placed upon you? For many of us it would be when the last time we came forward during the communion before we were confirmed and were able to receive the bread and wine, or the corprorate blessing at the end of the service.

When was the last time someone blessed you?

Jesus blessed his friends and disciples and something happened: they were filled with joy, great joy, and returned to Jerusalem worshipping him.

I am reminded of the Christmas story, when Jesus came down from heaven, and the Shepherds, his first raggle taggle band of followers, left the manger filled with joy, worshipping God.

Jesus blesses those he has loved and those he has shared three years of his life with, and in turn they will build his church. They did not share Jesus’ love in their own strength, but with Jesus’ blessing and in receipt of the Holy Spirit. In nine day’s time we shall return to celebrate Pentecost, the day when the Holy Spirit came upon all God’s faithful people. Today let us sit with the blessing Jesus prays over us.

This Ascension Day evening we shall meet around the Lord’s Table, we shall eat bread and drink wine, and you are invited to receive a blessing too. To hear your name spoken over you, and receive God’s seal upon your life as the sign of the cross is marked on your head in the oil of baptism. A reminder, that just like the first disciples Jesus calls you, anoints you, equips you, and blesses you to build his kingdom here on earth.

You can read the gospel account of Jesus’ Ascension here.