"To Infinity and Beyond"

...so said Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story.

I’ve never been to space and whilst that may have been a boyhood dream, I can say with confidence that ambition is likely to remain unfulfilled.

In our news this week we heard of the return to Earth of NASA astronauts Buzz and Suni, whose stay in space was extended from the originally intended 1 week to 40 weeks. An astonishing amount of time to be away from home, and to face the challenges of staying fit and well in a gravity free environment.

We’ve been thinking about the ascension of Jesus. Not a lot to do with space, but everything to do with the sense of mission accomplished and the promise to humankind that far from being left, the gift of the Holy Spirit as God’s presence is significant, encouraging and comforting. It reminds us that we are not meant to live this life unaccompanied or alone, rather with the knowledge of God’s presence with us every day.

Jesus, ascended to heaven, took with him aspects of broken humanity, and leaves with us the vision of how life will be when all is accomplished and God’s mission is completed.



To infinity and beyond.

God of majesty,

yours is the power that raised Christ from death

and to the glory of heaven.

Clothe us with the power of the Holy Spirit

and so enable us to bring the good news

of your love to everyone. Amen.