Savannah and I almost missed it at first because it wasn't what we were expecting. Jesus is only a few inches off the ground, and it looks like he is going to hit his head on the decorative part at the top of the frame. And yet there is no doubt—this is the Ascension.
Notice the difference from the dramatic Transfiguration window (in which Jesus is much more aloft), to the right above the lectern, in which the disciples have fallen to the ground in terror! Here the disciples are still on their feet, and one looks like he's begging Jesus not to go.
As it is described in Luke, he lifts his hands and blesses them as he rises. You can sense their amazement, along with their sadness to be saying goodbye to the risen Jesus.
While Jesus is lifted up, it is the time for the disciples to likewise rise up. Up to this point they have been bumbling, often petty, and highly confused. This is like their graduation into a whole new phase in their lives, in which they discover how well God has empowered them.
Of all years, the Ascension speaks to us in a special way right now. We are of course facing challenges that we had not ever expected, but we are also blessed and empowered to rise to the occasion.
God's peace,
Rob+
