“What events have happened in my life that I didn’t totally believe would?”
Friday, 6th June, 2025
Over the last two weeks, we have been contemplating the Ascension of Jesus.
50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God.
Luke 24, verses 50 to 53 (King James Version)
Recently, I have been working differently with the passages that we contemplate. The truth is, I find it difficult to comprehend such an event. I am not saying it didn't happen, but I find it difficult to understand. I then allow that to be part of my contemplation, and then something happens. I found myself asking the question, “What events have happened in my life that I didn't totally believe would happen?”
The first thing that came to me was peace in Northern Ireland. I had prayed for it and even founded Christ Unites Ireland as an active movement to see peace in Ireland. It felt like the right thing to do, and even more than that, it felt inspired by God; however, did I truly believe that peace would come to Ireland?
I believed we could change hearts, but perhaps, like my current belief in pacifism, do I really believe the world will one day be at peace? Yet in 1998, the Good Friday Agreement came into place 27 years ago, and on the whole, the political violence resulting in death has stopped. That is not just a peace agreement; that is peace.
For me, this is the most remarkable thing that occurred on a societal level in my life.
More personal events occurred that I, at one time, may not have believed would happen: going to University, having a professional qualification, getting married, becoming a father, owning a car, and having a mortgage. For some, these may have been assumed; not for me.
So the Ascension reminds me that what I find impossible may well be possible.
I am sure you, too, have a story to tell on this subject, so please do.
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