"it is easy for us to get distracted by holy things and forget the mission that has been entrusted to us."

There is an old adage, its origins unclear, that cautions against losing sight of the forest for the sake of the trees. Are we so caught up in are small displays of our faith and our devotion that we lose sight of the bigger picture?

There was a group called “The Fisherman's Fellowship.” They were surrounded by lakes and streams full of fish. They met regularly to discuss the vocation of fishing and how thrilling it was to catch fish.

Someone suggested that they needed to study how they fished and so committees and research groups were formed to determine the most effective way to fish. They decided that they needed to study fishing from the point of view of the fish, rather than the fisherman. How do fish view the world? How does the fisherman appear to the dish? What do fish eat and when? These were all worthwhile endeavors and contributed greatly to their knowledge of fishing, but no one had yet gone fishing.

So a committee was formed to study prospective fishing places. Fisherman were sent out to prioritize the most promising places to catch fish. The final list they developed was posted on the Fellowship's bulletin board but still no one was fishing. A survey was conducted to find out why none of the members of the Fisherman's Fellowship actually went fishing. Most of the members didn't bother to answer the survey but those who did indicated that some felt called to study fish, some to furnish fishing equipment, and some to go around encouraging the fisherman. And with all the meetings, seminars, and conferences, they just didn't have time to fish.

There are times when we get so caught up in preparing for a task, that the task itself becomes a secondary priority. Just so, it is easy for us to get distracted by holy things and forget the mission that has been entrusted to us.

After following Jesus for three years and seeing Him risen from the dead, the apostles still do not quite grasp what is happening. They still “don’t get it.” They are still waiting for angelic hosts to sweep away the Romans and restore the Promised Land to Israel.

Even after everything they have seen and heard they still ask Jesus if now is the time, will he now restore the Kingdom to Israel?

But the Heavenly Kingdom is not an earthly one, concerned with the problems of this age. It is something far greater, transcending this age and the one to come.

During His ministry here on earth Jesus gave His followers a New Commandment, to love one another as He has loved us. Before His ascension He gave to us a mission, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.” Mark 16:15-16

Over two thousand years we have discerned the broader meaning of the Great Commission. We have received innumerable pious practices, traditions and devotions from God and His saints that serve to deepen our faith and bring us closer to the Lord. But these practices are meant to enhance our mission, not replace it.

The Son was sent to us by the Father. We are sent by the Son, just as the apostles were sent, to build up the Kingdom of God.

We are sent into a world that hates us, just as it hated the one who sent us. And we are protected. We are promised that we are protected from the evil one. Like Our Lord, although we are in the world, we do not belong to the world. We are consecrated to the Truth and sent out to bring light where there is darkness. Our prayers and practices and devotions helps us to keep our eyes on the light.

But we must be careful that we do not lose sight of the forest for the sake of the beautiful trees. When His enemies rebuked Jesus because they were violating the restrictions of the Sabbath, Jesus reminded them that the Sabbath was made for man, man was not made for the Sabbath.

All of our devotions, and practices, and rituals, public and private, enhance our belief but we must not allow ourselves to be ruled by them to the extent that we lose sight of our purpose. We are here to spread the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ to the whole world. We are to baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. And we are to love one another as He loves us.

We are not here to stare at the sky, spending all our time contemplating heavenly things. The angels remind us of our duty. Our task is before us.

Let us go out and preach the good news of salvation to every creature. Our charge is to bear witness to the world of the great love God has for us, all that He has done for us, and the promise He gives to us. Keep our eyes fixed on Christ and not on the sky. The center of all creation is no longer the place where Christ lived in the flesh. The Lord ascended so that we would not stay in one place, anchored to His earthly life. The center is now everywhere. The entire world is missionary territory, and the Church is constantly on the move. But wherever we go, God is with us, Christ is our center.

Christus Resurrexit!
Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

Master’s Degree in Sacred Arts. For more information visit the website at www.pontifex.university

Lawrence Klimecki, MSA, is a deacon in the Diocese of Sacramento. He is a public speaker, writer, and artist, reflecting on the intersection of art and faith and the spiritual “hero’s journey” that is part of every person’s life. He maintains a blog at www.DeaconLawrence.org and can be reached at Lawrence@deaconlawrence.com

Lawrence draws on ancient Christian tradition to create new contemporary visions of sacred art. For more information on original art, prints and commissions, Please visit www.DeaconLawrence.org 

Purchase fine art prints of Deacon Lawrence’s work here.