Theophilus

Luke is writing to Theophilus (Acts 1).

That is, he is writing to you – naming you as ‘Lover of God.’

How beautiful is that.

The love of God is within us.

Where did it come from? What is its origin?

We take our cue from Pope St. Leo the Great (440-461) – an excellent teacher of faith.

He says that ‘great mysteries are established and great truths revealed between the days of the ‘Lord’s resurrection and ascension’:

The Lord set before the eyes and hearts of his followers one consideration: that the Lord Jesus Christ, who was truly born, truly suffered and truly died, should be recognised as truly risen (Ascension Sermon 1).

Embed that word ‘truly’ in your body, soul, spirit.

Most importantly, these mysteries and truths enter the hearts of the faithful in such a powerful and tangible way that the Lord’s ascension leads, not to sorrow, but to joy.

The death of Jesus, Leo says, filled us with fear. Our faith in the resurrection, Leo says, was hesitant.

No longer.

The days between the resurrection and the ascension of Jesus are the game-changer.

Jesus Christ’ life, death and resurrection has entered us.

We are truly Theophilus.

Amen.