God goes up with shouts of joy; the Lord goes up with trumpet blast. As I read this, I could not help but think of the awesomeness of God, such grandeur, power and royalty! These words attempt to help express the magnificence of God but to me as I write the words do not suffice as I am indeed in awe as I ponder on these verses. 
 
It reminds me again of who God is – a King with a truly unshakeable kingdom and His words are life! Oh, His word fulfills that which it has been sent to do. The word of a king has power yes, that is obvious in earthly kings, but the words of this King are SPIRIT and LIFE. It enkindles, ignites, breaks and builds. I announce to you the King of glory, the one that goes up with a trumpet blast that all may experience His goodness.
 
As I further reflect on the responsorial psalm for the day, I recall a song I first learnt as a little girl. The title is “Magnify the Lord with me, exalt the name of Jesus”. I suddenly have a whole new appreciation for this song as I realize the depth of an open invitation to experience the glory and goodness of God it presents. The Psalm today extends a similar invitation: “All peoples, clap your hands, cry to God with shouts of joy! […] sing praise with all your skill.” Previously, I have understood that deploying my skill, giftings, talent, and work is worship to God. I saw this as a way to honour my parents and the authority figures in my life, but I did not specifically think of my skills to be “lyrical”. I imagine that when I put my skills to use, it is not just honor and worship to God, but also music to God’s ears. So, there is actually a way I can finally sing the right keys.
 
Music is beautiful. I love music and there is always a place for music in honoring and worshipping God. However, I do not have to literally always sing. When I pray for someone, lend a helping hand, solve a challenge, or write, I am actually singing to God! Then I must deploy these skills in the most efficient way because by all means, I want to play the best song to the hearing of the King.
 
I am beaming with so much excitement learning all this at His feet and I would like to remind everyone that this Psalm is an open invitation to everyone and anyone who yearns to experience the presence of the Lord and sing to Him with their songs and skills. You too can experience so much joy!




Celia Omionawele

Jesus goes up to heaven while His disciples watch. I imagine they felt confused, sad, and maybe even a little scared. Jesus had been with them, teaching and helping them, and now He was leaving. They probably wondered, “What do we do now?”

I think we all feel like that sometimes.

There are moments in life when we do not know what is going to happen next. Maybe things feel hard at school, at work, in our families, or in our hearts. We pray and ask God for answers, but sometimes He asks us to wait and trust Him instead.
 
One day, I was feeling very stressed and busy trying to get everything done. I had a long list of things to do, and I felt like I could not slow down. Then my daughter asked me to sit and colour with her for a few minutes. At first, I wanted to say no because I was too busy, but I sat down anyway. While we coloured together, I felt calm again. It reminded me that God is with us in small, simple moments, not just the big ones.
 
In this reading, the angels ask the disciples, “Why are you standing there looking up at the sky?” It was like they were saying, “Jesus is still with you. Now it is time to keep going and share His love with others.” That message is important for us too. God does not want us to stay stuck in fear or worry. He wants us to trust Him, keep moving forward, and love the people around us every day.
 
Jesus, help me trust You when I feel worried or unsure. Remind me that You are always with me, even when life feels hard or confusing. Help me slow down, notice the good around me, and share Your love with others. Amen.




Shelly Filmore