In these final days of Easter – between Ascension and Pentecost, we gather with the disciples in the upper room, waiting for the Spirit to transform the church around the world. In Sunday’s gospel, Jesus prays a chapter-length prayer. Rather than praying for himself, Jesus prays for his followers and for their mission in his name. Jesus prays for the Father’s protection of the believers and for their life in the world.
Likewise, in these final days of the school year – between final exams and graduation, we gather with the class of 2026. And we hear Jesus’ prayer for his followers and their mission in the world as a prayer for these followers and their mission. As they graduate from high school, they are now being sent to live their faith in the world. As we gather to bless and send them at this milestone moment at the 11:00 service, we ask that the Spirit would inspire them to use their gifts in Jesus’ name, and we wrap them in blankets woven with our prayers and God’ triumphant love for them. Join us this Sunday as we pray for the Spirit to come and transform them, us, and the whole church for the sake of the world.
Title image: Triumph of the Cross. Apse mosaic from Basilica San Clemente in Rome, 12th century. In the public domain.