Chaplain’s Corner: Now What?

Acts 1 tells us that for 40 days after his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples and spoke about the Kingdom of God. It is hard to fathom the relief and joy the disciples experienced, after presuming him forever dead to them.

And yet, that feeling of comfort and security was short-lived. Jesus’ time on earth was done and the disciples would have to again return to the question that dominated in their minds: “Now what?”

We all go through “Now what?” phases of our lives. For years or perhaps even decades we can coast on the comfort of routine and normalcy. Everything in its right place, just the way we like it.

Then something shifts. The loss of a job or a loved one. A dear friend or mentor moving away. A trauma that fundamentally changes the way we see the world. And we too, turn our gaze heavenward and ask: “now what?”

Facing Jesus’ imminent departure, the disciples had a list of questions they needed answered, times and dates set in stone. But Jesus’ primary concern was not that of the disciples.

“It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority,” he says. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:7-8).

When the storms of change rage around us, may we cling to each other as the disciples eventually learned to do. May we open ourselves to the Spirit of God which accompanies us even when we feel it not. And when answers evade us, may we be content to stand witness to the simple yet profound love of the Kingdom until the answers are made clear in God’s time.
– Caley Ortman, Chaplain