Going and Coming

Acts 1:1-11

Firstly, let me apologize for missing yesterday's post. I had a few things on my mind; I have to iron my shirt, where should we go for breakfast, I hope I'm not late for practice. I wasn't thinking of anything that would fit into a particular category, but all thoughts I had pointed to one thing - Convocation.

Last night was the night I received my Masters Degree in Divinity. It was a night when I, along with many friends and my immediate family, celebrated the end of the first length of the journey I'm currently on. Most of you know I'm working towards becoming an ordained minister within my denomination, and the receipt of this degree is the end of the first leg of that journey.

There were many great things said to us last night. We were told that a great seed has been planted in us and the fruits of the tree which will grow from that seed will be harvested in its time, it then becomes up to us how those fruits will be used. We were reminded that the stronger the community the better the harvest as everyone works together towards ensuring the fruits grown are of the best possible quality.

We were also reminded that we hold worlds within our words.

Many times we forget that as a minister, as a perceived representative of God through Jesus Christ, the things we say and the actions we perform have long-lasting effects on those around us. People go to their ministers in times of pain and joy, in times of normalcy and crisis. People listen to the words and watch the actions of their ministers for guidance, comfort, understanding, and affirmation.

I am of the belief we are all ministers of God's love through Jesus Christ the moment we proclaim ourselves to be Christian,  So, in that sense today's passage brings to mind a thought from the author of Acts. We are reminded that just as Jesus goes, so will he come. Jesus went with the final words "You will be my witnesses to the ends of the world." So Jesus will come to to the world in that way - through us, from us, by us. Therefore, Jesus' message of God's unending love and acceptance of all peoples is brought to life and kept alive by us, the ministers.

After all, we do hold worlds within our words.