Gospel: Luke 24:46-53
So it was written: The Messiah had to suffer, and on the third day rise from the dead. Then repentance and forgiveness in his name would be proclaimed to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. and you are witnesses of these things. And that is why I will send you what my Father promised. So remain in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” Jesus led them almost as far as Bethany; then he lifted up his hands and blessed them. And as he blessed them, he withdrew, and was taken to heaven. They worshiped him, and then returned to Jerusalem full of joy; and they were continually in the temple, praising God.
Reflection:
"Christ doesn’t leave us behind."
Read: Luke in Acts and the Gospel describes the Ascension of the Lord as part of God’s plan, so that the Holy Spirit might come to strengthen the disciples in their witness to Christ. The Letter to the Hebrews talks of the sacrifice which Christ has made in his own blood, which is our salvation. We are to remain steadfast in our hope of heaven.
Reflect: “O strong Ram, which hast batter’d heaven for me! / Mild lamb, which with Thy Blood hast mark’d the path! / Bright Torch, which shinest, that I the way may see!” Thus the mystical poet Jonne Donne wrote of Christ’s Ascension. Christ, victorious over sin and death, returns to the glory that was his for all eternity, sitting at God’s right hand. But his ascension is not some kind of rupture with humanity. Rather, it’s a continuation that paves the way for our journey to heaven. And so, Christ doesn’t leave us behind. Instead, he takes human nature into heaven, and there he awaits us. He does not leave us behind, but he dwells within us, closer to us than ever before.
Pray: Meditate upon Christ in glory and Christ as a “Bright Torch" to guide us to heaven.
Act: Join a prayer group or spend more time in prayer in preparation for Pentecost.
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