Yesterday (Sunday 1st June) we celebrated the Ascension of Jesus into Heaven.

The Ascension of the Lord is a joyful celebration within the season of Easter, the period of 50 days from Easter Sunday until Pentecost. On this feast we acclaim the exaltation of Christ, as Lord of heaven and earth. This feast prepares the Church, for the end of the Easter Season, and for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

A reading from the Gospel According to Matthew

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Reflection

When Jesus was preparing to return to heaven, he gathered his disciples around him and told them to “Go and make disciples of all nations. He also said, “…I am with you always, even to the end of the age”.

This was and is good news. The disciples had spent time with Jesus. They saw the miracles he performed and the power of his love which was offered to everyone. They wanted others to know of this wonderful thing which they experienced. Over two thousand years later disciples, and that includes us, are still sharing the good news about the power of Jesus’ love.

Jesus wants us to know that he loves us and is always with us to help guide us to do the right thing, and to walk in his footsteps.

Closing Prayer

Christ Jesus, we know that you are always with us. May we be filled with the joy of your love and try to share this joy with others. Father, Jesus is with you. May we follow him to heaven for he lives and reigns for ever and ever.

God of joy, we thank you for all the good things you have given us and for the happiness we feel. Help us to share what we have with each other, so that all people may be filled with joy.

We ask this in your name.

Amen

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