Seventh Sunday of Easter - Reflection by Canon Leslie

Today is the Seventh Sunday of Easter and the Sunday after Ascension Day. Today’s Gospel reading continues the theme of the Ascension of Jesus, with a passage from John’s account of Jesus’ last supper with his disciples. Here Jesus looks forward with confidence to returning to the Father. What John expresses in this farewell discourse, Luke symbolises through the Ascension which links the close of Luke’s Gospel with the opening of the Acts of the Apostles.  The Ascension, or Jesus’ going to the Father, is seen as Jesus’ enthronement.  The Ascension symbolises the reign of Christ. 
 
For those of you who wanted to do some thinking and preparation for today’s service during the preceding week, I invited reflection on the image of royal thrones. Today’s picture is by Gary Bunt, Liverpool Cathedral Centenary Artist, from his series of paintings, Bert, His Dog, Our God. 
   
Risen and ascended Christ, 
we proclaim you to be our King. 
Rule over our lives, 
that we may work 
for the growth of your kingdom; 
for you are the King of glory, 
now and always. 
Amen. 
 
Next week is Whit Sunday, the Feast that celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. According to the Acts of the Apostles, the Holy Spirit came with the sound of a mighty rushing wind, The image to help us for next week’s theme is kites. You can find out more about that theme here https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html. We would really appreciate you letting us know how you are using these materials.  ​