Jesus led them almost as far as Bethany; then he lifted up his hands and blessedJesus led them
almost as far as Bethany; then he lifted up his hands and blessedthem. And as he blessed them,
he withdrew, and was taken to heaven. They worshipedhim, and then returned to Jerusalem
full of joy; and they were continually in the temple,praising God.

Read
Both the First Reading andBoth the First Reading andthe Gospel speak of the event ofascension
of the Lord. The Letterto the Hebrews speaks of the oncefor-all sacrifice of Christ that gives
ushope for a share in his glory.

Reflection
Just as the PassoverJust as the Passovermarked the liberation of Israel fromslavery in Egypt, the
Passion andResurrection of Christ won for usliberation from the slavery to sin.However, the Israelites
had to travelfor 40 long years to finally enter thePromised Land. The Ascension ofChrist happens
40 days after theResurrection, showing us wherewe are headed to: redeemedfrom slavery to sin, we
are now towalk the “forties” to enter the finalpromise—a definitive share in theTriune life of Glory, into
which Christ,as the firstborn has ascended, as apromise and hope for us. The Spiritwould soon descend,
to accompanyus in the journey of the forties all theway to where Christ is. So, “why keeplooking up at the sky?”
Let’s get busyliving, get busy loving, preachingand practicing repentance andforgiveness for all.

Pray
Pray for those who livePray for those who livewithout hope to find hope in God.

Act
Help someone to ascend fromHelp someone to ascend fromhopelessness to a life of hope.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2022