the e-Testament
Luke 24:46-53
The Ascension of the Jesus
And he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."
Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven.
And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God
Reflection
Jesus’ last instruction to the apostle’s reveals God’s plan to its true extent and provides reason to why Jesus chose these people to follow him and learn from his way. As Jesus goes up the apostles are sent out to spread what they have seen and share what they have received. It is this action that led Christianity to spreading around the globe and to you and I reading/listening to this very Gospel today.
We are invited to do exactly the same today, continue to spread the joy of the Gospel. Share with others the words and teachings that nourish our souls and invite others to join the feast. We have been blessed with the guidance of Jesus to continue the tasks given to the apostles; we can continue to aid those who have struggles that stop them living their life to the full, we can welcome those we do not know into our community using the language of love rather than spoken languages and for those who are sick we can ensure that they feel accepted and loved.
We must be comforted by this Gospel that Jesus continued to be with his apostles after he had ascended into heaven and so to he is with us in our mission.
Georgina Hindley,
Salesian Cooperator
Prayer
Lord our God,
there is much in us that obscures your word
and keeps us from being truly your Church.
We pray you today:
Call us, as once you called the disciples,
to speak and live your word.
Inspire us through your Spirit
and teach us to live in the hope
that your kingdom will come
and remain among us
through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
now and forever.
Amen