Ascension of the Lord

Gospel: Luke 24:46-53
Jesus said to his disciples: “Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold I am sending the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

Then he led them out as far as Bethany, raised his hands, and blessed them. As he blessed them he parted from them and was taken up to heaven. They did him homage and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and they were continually in the temple praising God.

Reflection
Two truths are striking as we celebrate the Ascension. Notice how the disciples are charged to carry on Jesus’ message. Essential to their mission is that they must wait for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit before they begin. What is also remarkable is their joy as they wait because after Jesus’ crucifixion they kept the doors locked “for fear of the Jews” (Jewish leaders).

Jesus reminds us of how necessary it is for us to pray before we begin any kind of good work. Our prayer can be full of confidence and joy because we have the gift of Jesus’ Holy Spirit as our source of energy.