Luke 24:46-53

Reflection

Today we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord. Jesus tells his disciples that they have been witnesses to what the Scriptures wrote about him and that he will send the promise of his Father to them. Then Jesus leads them out to Bethany, blesses them, and is taken up into heaven.

Jesus’ triumphant ascension to heaven doesn’t mean he left us alone here on earth. He tells the disciples that the Holy Spirit will come down and be with them soon. Today, we know that Jesus resides with us still, in our hearts and in our tabernacles. He is never far away; we simply need to turn towards him and engage in conversation.

Let us always be like the disciples, rejoicing and praising God, and taking comfort in the knowledge that Jesus is with us until the end of the age.

Saint of the Day

St. Justin Martyr: AD 100 – 165

“For, impelled by the desire of the eternal and pure life, we seek the abode that is with God, the Father and Creator of all, and hasten to confess our faith, persuaded and convinced as we are that they who have proved to God by their works that they followed Him, and loved to abide with Him where there is no sin to cause disturbance, can obtain these things.” The First Apology, Chapter 8: Christians Confess their Faith in God, St. Justin Martyr