EASTER SEVEN

a verse or two

“And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim
  the good news to the whole creation." Mark 16: 15

Spiritual Walk and Musings: Our Need for the Holy Spirit:

Last Thursday was 40 days since Jesus’ resurrection. This Sunday is sometimes known as Ascension Sunday. For forty days Jesus appeared numerous times to his disciples to assure them that he had indeed risen and to prepare them for the task of carrying on the work which he began during his earthy ministry. 

Mark ends his gospel account with Jesus' last appearance to the apostles before his ascension. When the Jesus departed physically from the apostles, they were not left in sorrow or grief. They were told the comforter—the Holy Spirit would be coming. 
Jesus' last words to his apostles was the great commission, their new mission was to be witnesses proclaiming the good news of salvation to the entire world. God's love and gift of salvation is not just for a few, or for a nation, but it is for the whole world. The gospel being the power of God, the power to forgive sins, to heal, to deliver from evil and oppression, and to restore life. 

Today the great commission also applies to us here at St David’s. Thankfully we have not been left alone in this task, the comforter—the Holy Spirit helps. As a church we desperately need to Holy Spirit to continue to work among us, in hearts and mind so people in our community come to know Jesus Christ. 

To Pray and Ponder: A prayer for filling of the Holy Spirit:

“Lord Jesus, through the gift of your Holy Spirit, you fill us with an indomitable spirit of praise and joy which no earthly trial can subdue. Fill me with your resurrection joy and help me to live a life of praise and thanksgiving for your glory. May I witness to those around me the joy of the gospel and the reality of your resurrection.” [adapted from http://www.rc.net Daily Readings]