Ascension Office

Luke 15:1-10

Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him.And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, ‘This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.’

So he told them this parable: ‘Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.” Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance.

‘Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it?When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbours, saying, “Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.” Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.’

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Going Looking

Do you have a drawer or a closet or a corner where things get put when there is no where else for them to go? Or where things get put until you get around to putting them where you really want them to go? Dig through that collection and see what you find. Perhaps you will find something you were missing – or something you didn’t even know was lost!

How does looking make you feel? Finding?

Even One

These parables remind us that God is as interested in the small and single as is the great and many – whether we are talking about sheep, people, or just actions. This can be a hopeful reminder when we feel overwhelmed by how big the problems of climate change and environmental degradation are – the angels rejoice even when we take only one, small, righteous action.

What will your One Thing be this week? Here are some ideas:

• leave the car at home for a day
• remember to use your reusable mug/water bottle/grocery bags
• shorten your shower
• write to your MP or a candidate or a party about their plans to address climate change

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Being Lost and Found

Have you ever been literally lost? What happened? How did it feel?
How did you come to be found? Did someone find you or did you find your own way? How did that feel?

Have you ever been figuratively lost? What happened? How did it feel?
How did you come to be found? Did someone find you or did you find your own way? How did that feel?

In what ways do you need God to find you now?

Losing and Finding

Think of a time when you were on the other side – when you lost something or someone important to you. What did you do? How did you feel?

What about when you found what or whom was lost? How did you find them? Did the experience change you or your habits in any way?

What are you looking for now?

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Grace – What is it anyways?

Grace is one of those theological ideas that is bigger than the words we have at our disposal. Below are a few different attempts to use words anyways, from a number of Christian traditions.

An Eastern Orthodox View – an interview with Fr. Michael Shanbour
“Simply put, the Church Fathers teach that grace is the very life that flows naturally and eternally from God.  It is the real, life-bestowing power that brings us into communion with Him.”

Grace: What it is and What it does and What is Grace? offer two Roman Catholic perspectives

Grace in the Protestant Reformation – the Wikipedia entry because it’s the best I could find on the topic!

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Holy God, we do not always understand your word or your ways. 
Give us wisdom and imagination and courage as we learn and grow. 

The story this week has made me wonder about…
         (what questions are still on your heart?)
Receive my questions and help me hear your answers.

The story this week has filled me with…
         (how are you feeling?)
Accept my praise, heal my hurt, ease my worry.

The story this week has reminded me of…
         (are there situations or people you are thinking of?)
Be with all who are in need of you.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.