Column: Happy Ascension Day, everyone | The Globe – The Globe

Listen to Luke tell the story in Acts. [Jesus said to the disciples] you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven. (NRSV Acts 1:8b-11).

In 1513, German painter Hans Sss von Kulmbach captured this story in oils. Kulmbachs painting captures the mystery and wonder of this event. Marys and the disciples focus on the visible lower legs and Jesus two bare feet, just below the clouds. Kulmbach painted the disciples faces with concern and bewilderment. Marys smile curves up slightly, and there is a small twinkle in her eye.

Jesus words to the disciples as he departs from them are instructive to our community as the pandemic begins to wane. Like flood waters receding, we all will soon be able to have a panoramic view of our home and enjoy work, play, faith and friendship relationships that have been forever changed by the coronavirus. There are times when it seems like only portions of the old normal way of knowing is visible in our minds eye. Memories cause us to look over our shoulders as our hearts beat with the anxious rhythm of loss.

I suspect that many a preacher, teacher, business owner, government official and neighbor in the next months will be saying something like what the two men dressed in white robes said to the disciples. Friends! Why are your looking over shoulders into the past? Look around you and a head of you as the shroud of this pandemic departs. Good people gaze on these new days with curiosity and wonder.

Jesus ascension to site at the right hand of God is a powerful story that is not yet finished. Jesus has ascended. He has promised to return to us and earth in Gods time. Many a biblical scholar, Bible study teacher and preacher has worked to capture Jesus return. Some claim it will be a day of destruction. Others proclaim a message of peace and love. Regardless of what that day will be like, I am more curious about today and what kind of witnesses, we the followers of Jesus are like. Once a witness to an event always a witness. One cannot become a non-witness if he or she saw something occur. Rather, it is how we act as a witness: a) a witness who steps forward, giving a fair account or b) a witness who stands silently, looking the other way.

When Jesus comes again, I hope he arrives feet first and ready to hit the ground running or at least dancing with joy. Until that time and as the pandemics impact diminishes, I want to be like Mary with a small smile on my face and a wee twinkle in my eye, knowing that all is well and all will be well in Gods time.

Anne Hokenstad is pastor at American Lutheran Church in Worthington.

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Column: Happy Ascension Day, everyone | The Globe - The Globe