Up, Up, and Away
The Ascension of the Lord (C)
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Luke 24:46-53 – Jesus said to his disciples: “Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold I am sending the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”
Then he led them out as far as Bethany, raised his hands, and blessed them. As he blessed them he parted from them and was taken up to heaven. They did him homage and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and they were continually in the temple praising God.
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“As he blessed them he parted from them and was taken up to heaven.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Ascension. At the end of Jesus’ time on earth, forty days after His Resurrection, Jesus ascends, Body and Spirit, from earth into heaven. There Jesus will remain until His Second Coming at the end of time. This powerful Solemnity raises a lot of questions for us (some we can’t answer), but also it should give us great confidence—such a great event is a revelation of God’s power to do anything!
St. Luke wrote this Gospel, and he also wrote the Acts of the Apostles. The Gospel ends here, but this is right where Acts begins. Acts gives a more detailed account of the Ascension. Luke makes it clear that Jesus doesn’t leave his disciples alone, but immediately sends “power from on high” in the Holy Spirit. There is an important point worth noting here: God never wants us to be alone without Him. God loves us with an infinite love. In prayer, ask God for a greater closeness to Him in love. Go on, ask Him!
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above. (Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
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