Column 28 April 08

This week we celebrate Ascension Day, as the day that Jesus ascended to heaven, 40 days after His resurrection.

Now some might say that this was Jesus’ final hurrah, before He ran away from His silly disciples, claiming ‘they just don’t understand me!’...of all the clichés, why, oh why 40 days afterwards? 40 days of rain for Noah, 40 days in the wilderness, could it be that 40 days with His disciples was all Jesus could take?

I don’t think so.

I think it is a reminder to us that we all have a time, and a place and a mission in God’s world. To add another cliché, now the mantle rests on us.

If we want the world to change for the better, it is up to us.

I we want to see people loving and respecting one another, not because of fear but because of love itself, it is (with God’s help) up to us.

Be the change that you want to see in the world. Live it, love it and start now. This coming generation of young women deserves the dignity of us being able to look them in the eye and saying ‘yes, I did all I could, and now it us up to you.’

http://drulogion.blogspot.com/2007/05/ascension-day-this-same-jesus-will.html

http://www.baggas.com/posts/category/australia/

Amongst the many moving moments of the ANZAC service celebrated here, including a drama by members of 9K, some touching and beautiful music by the choir and orchestra, were several poignant prayers, led by our own Prefects. As a community; as we should on such an occasion, we prayed for peace, for those who suffer for war, and for those dreams and possibilities lost because of war. Please continue to pray for peace; and as we remember those whose lives are affected by war, and those who perished, join with our community,
by taking time to pray the following prayer; Lest We Forget.

Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, we remember with thanksgiving those who made the supreme sacrifice for us in time or war. We pray that the offering of their lives may not have been in vain. May your grace enable us this day to dedicate ourselves to the cause of justice, freedom and peace; and give us the wisdom and strength to build a better world, for the honour and glory of your Name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

THE LORD IS OUR LAMP IN THE DARKNESS:

Ephesians 5:8-10 says "once you were in darkness; but now you are light in the Lord, walk as children of light. For the fruit of the light or the spirit consists in every form of kindly goodness, uprightness of heart and trueness of life. And try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord".