Hallelujah – He Is Risen!

The Ascension of our Lord.

This historical and miraculous event is commemorated by a feast day, often on Thursday in the Sixth Week of Easter. The Ascension is also one of the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary. Think about what words usually conclude mass:  Go!   This word summarizes our Lord’s message to His Apostles right before His Ascension, “Thus it is written…that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in Christ’s name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You yourselves are witnesses of these things” (Luke 24:46-48).

This prayer helps us remember the beauty of Jesus’ ascension into Heaven:

Lord Jesus Christ, right before your Ascension into heaven, you told your apostles to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth upon receiving the Holy Spirit. May I, too, be inspired to spread your Gospel message in both word and deed, according to your will. May I do so prudently and joyfully, with your help, your guidance, and your grace! And remembering this glorious event, help me to seek what is above, Heaven, where you are seated at the right hand of God the Father.

 

Jesus sacrificed His life in His brutal Passion. He opened the gates of heaven and redeem sinful humanity. Our Lord commissions His apostles to go forward and spread his teaching once they’ve been baptized by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Scripture only mentions the apostles as being present for this wondrous event, but there are Church approved private revelations that mention His Disciples as being there as well.

We must remember that God’s ways are not always our way. We tend to let our curiosity overcome us when we plan what we want to accomplish in our life. But rather than trying to guess what God will do next according to our own notions, we need to keep focused rather instead on doing His will for us and helping Him to save souls, including ours.

When our Blessed Mother and the Saints pray for us, our prayers are lifted. Don’t be afraid to ask them, and the Holy Spirit, for help as well. Heaven will protect you!

Each of us are called to be apostles for Christ.  Let us “go forth” and spread the Good News.