June 1, 2025 ~ Seventh Sunday of Easter ~ Ascension Sunday
Rev. Beckie Sweet
Prior to my arrival here at St. Paul’s UMC four years ago, I was gifted with this wonderful booklet on “The Windows of St. Paul’s of Ithaca.” The booklet contains detailed descriptions and historical accounts of our wonderful stained glass windows, which are quite unique. Each one depicts a gospel story of Jesus’ time on earth.
Since we are celebrating Ascension Sunday today, my focus is on our Ascension Window. This window is not, in so far as we know (which was affirmed by my research this week), it is not adapted from any one painting. The figure of Jesus in the center is similar, but not the same as, Rembrandt’s 1636 painting of the Ascension. Although our booklet states that it was inspired by a painting by Gottlieb Peter Biermann.
The features and positioning of the disciples below, are very similar to a painting of the Ascension for which we do not know the artist. And the images of the women observing off to the sides and the cherubim above are completely unique to this rendering of the scripture texts for today. This gathering of those observing Jesus’ “home going” from the hills of Bethany, represent the soon to be formed Church. Jesus is preparing this band of the faithful for receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, which we will celebrate next Sunday on Pentecost.
Jesus also states that he will be returning, a promise to the faithful to which we have clung all of these years. But for the disciples, there was instruction to return to Jerusalem and await the powerful gift of the Spirit who would guide them into the future of witnessing for Christ.
Going back one more time to our window, our booklet states that the base of the window, which is identical to the base of the Light of the World window, is of Tiffany glass and design. The Ascension window was purchased when this building was erected in 1909 at a cost of more than $7,000, a fortune in that day, but far, far more valuable today!
The story of the Ascension of Jesus is one of the scriptural miracles which is hard for concrete thinkers to understand. Similar to the departure of Elijah, Jonah being swallowed by a whale, or Noah building a boat which would hold two of every species on earth, the Ascension of Jesus is filled with mystery. We must trust, have faith in, God’s word in order to integrate this event into our faith heritage. Like this glorious window, that trusting faith inspires us to become the witnesses to Christ’s love that God has called us to be.
I heard on the news last evening that during the month of June, we will be able to see part of our galaxy, the Milky Way, in the night sky to the south when we get away from the city lights. Scientists have told us that there are between 100 and 400 billion stars in our galaxy, the sun being one of them. We have also been told that there are at least 200 billion galaxies in the visible universe. And there are more stars in the universe than there are grains of sand on all the earth’s beaches. Fact! Miracle! Science! Faith!
I believe those numbers; at least I believe they are good estimates. I trust the scientists who come up with these estimates, even though I don’t actually know the scientists personally. So – and this is the point I am trying to make – if I trust some unknown scientists on this, why wouldn’t I trust God’s Word even more? There are many miraculous stories in Scripture. And I don’t fully understand them, but I don’t have to – I believe them; I accept them on faith. And then I can spend my time and energy thinking about what they mean for me, and for us, instead of trying to decide whether or not they are true.
So, back to the miracle that happened on the 40th day after Jesus was raised from the dead, when he ascended into heaven. Even if I don’t understand this miracle, I believe it, and I believe that it conveys to us truths about the power, promise, and presence of God, Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, in our lives, even today.
Power? God has the power to defy human death, human sin, and provide a means of eternal life for all!
Promise? Jesus promised that we will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us, so we can be witnesses to the ends of the earth.
Presence? Although Jesus was lifted to heaven, he had promised to be with us forever, even to the end of the age. The Holy Spirit becomes the Presence of the Risen Christ with us every moment of every day.
Power, promise, and presence. These are the gifts of the Ascension. While difficult to comprehend, they are not so difficult to believe. And each time we gaze at this window, we should be reminded of God’s power, promise, and presence. Miracles that we can’t get our minds around, but that we accept in faith, bring joy to our hearts. And this is not the end of the story! We will continue with the windy, fiery Pentecost next Sunday! God is on the move! Let’s believe and be part of the excitement! Amen.