LECTIONARY READINGS
First reading: Acts 1:1-11
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 46(47):2-3, 6-9
Second reading: Hebrews 9:24-28; 10:19-23
Gospel: Luke 24:46-53
Link to readings
As Christ ascends to heaven, he commissions us to be his living message of hope, love, and compassion in a world crying out for healing. Christ is the head of the Church and we are the body, filled with his wisdom and power to transform all creation (Second Reading).
We are not left to struggle on our own. The risen Christ fills us with his Holy Spirit so that we who believe are his witnesses to the ends of the earth (First Reading). Jesus’ disciples do not dwell on their loss at his departing from their sight, but are instead full of joy at the realisation that he is now with them forever (Gospel). The Psalm, using words, songs and actions of joy and exultation, brings us to the heart of the event we celebrate today.
The readings and liturgy for this wonderful feast day invite us all to share in the amazement of those first disciples of Jesus, so that we, too, can become like them – joyful followers of Christ. This week, we might pray for the opportunity to proclaim the joy of the Good News to as many people as possible.
FIRST READING
Acts 1: 1–11 (part)
When Jesus had been at table with them, he had told them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for what the Father had promised. ‘It is,’ he had said, ‘what you have heard me speak about: John baptised you with water but you, not many days from now, will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.’
Now having met together, they asked him, ‘Lord, has the time come? Are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He replied, ‘It is not for you to know the times or dates that the Father has decided by his own authority, but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and then you will be my witnesses not only in Jerusalem but throughout Judaea and Samaria, and indeed to the ends of the earth.’
As he said this he was lifted up while they looked on, and a cloud took him from their sight. They were still staring into the sky when suddenly two men in white were standing near them and they said, ‘Why are you men from Galilee standing here looking into the sky? Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven, this same Jesus will come back in the same way as you have seen him go there.’
REFLECTION
I take time to become still, aware of being in the presence of my loving God who takes an active interest in all that is important to me in my life.
I read this passage slowly, noticing how it begins with Jesus being at table with the disciples. Perhaps in my prayer I imagine the risen Jesus sitting down with me in my home. I hear his words of promise being spoken directly to me: ‘You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you’.
How do I respond? Perhaps I have questions for Jesus. I ponder … in what way might Jesus want me to be his witness in the place where I live or work? Who are the people and situations that need his healing presence? I talk this through with Jesus as with an old friend. When I am ready, I finish my prayer with my own words of thanks and a slow sign of the cross.
GOSPEL
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.
REFLECTION
I go to my place of prayer and become still. I might like to follow the example of this text: just as Jesus took the disciples to a place that was special to them all, I might go outside to a place that is special to me. Or perhaps I recall in my imagination a place where I have felt especially close to God.
Wherever I feel drawn to pray today, I let God look upon me with endless love. I do not rush these moments I have set aside for prayer. In time, I visualise the ascension scene and place myself in this continually unfolding story of God’s love, active in the world. I see the risen Jesus lifting his hands to bless me, and I ask for the grace to be a joyful follower of Christ.
I may also like to pray the prayer of St Paul from today’s Second Reading: ‘May he enlighten the eyes of my mind so that I can see the hope his call holds for me.’ I reflect back over these past few weeks of Eastertide and recall where I have seen God’s presence at work in my life. Perhaps I ask God to show me what opportunities his call holds for me now. I listen to him.
When I am ready, I take my leave, telling the Lord how grateful I am for his presence with me in my prayer.
Courtesy of St Beuno's Outreach in the Diocese of Wrexham, UK