The Ascension of the Lord.
Year C. 1st Sunday in June
Luke 24:46-53
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You see how it is written that the Christ would suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that, in his name, repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be preached to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses to this. ‘And now I am sending down to you what the Father has promised. Stay in the city then, until you are clothed with the power from on high’.Then he took them out as far as the outskirts of Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. Now as he blessed them, he withdrew from them and was carried up to heaven. They worshipped him and then went back to Jerusalem full of joy; and they were continually in the Temple praising God.
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GUIDELINES TO HELP US TO MEDITATE ON THE PASSAGE SO AS TO RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE GOD’S PRESENCE AND ACTIVITY IN OUR LIVES AND WORLD TODAY.
‘Now as he blessed them, he withdrew from them’… Can you remember an occasion when someone took a step back and let you take more responsibility?For example; in your home, in your workplace, in your club, can you bring to mind parents, teachers and leaders in your community who humbly and lovingly withdraw, to let others realise their potential and be given space to make their contribution. Thank you, Lord, for all those people who nurture talent and support development, especially of young people, in our Church, in our workplaces and in our community. Thank you, Lord for the opportunities you give us for growth and change; help us all to be people of encouragement and positivity. ‘They went back full of joy’… Let the passage remind you of a deep experience of renewal, that awakened in you, or your community, a whole new sense of joy and a belief in the goodness and beauty of life and love. Joyful occasions such as finding a job after a time of unemployment, the birth of a baby after a family bereavement, a return to good health after illness, the success of a local person in sport, music or theatre …. Lord open our eyes to the joy, goodness and beauty of life; help us to keep strong in times of loss always trusting in your plans for us. ‘You are a witness to this’… Let the passage remind you of how your life experiences have empowered you to support and accompany others through similar experiences. Our ‘witness’ can help others, as the they begin chemotherapy , recover from addiction, face family difficulties… Help us Lord, to be a witness to others, to help and support them on their journey and guide them gently in your love.
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