Catholic Identity  

Gospel Reflection

The Ascension of the Lord 

Summary 

After Jesus rose from the dead, He appeared to His disciples and explained that everything written about Him in the Scriptures had come true—He suffered, died, and rose again on the third day. He told them that now it was their job to go and tell everyone about God’s forgiveness and love, starting in Jerusalem and spreading to all the nations. Jesus promised He would send the Holy Spirit to help them. Then, Jesus blessed them and was taken up to heaven. Even though He had left them physically, the disciples were filled with joy and went to the temple to worship God. 

Reflection 

This passage is a powerful reminder of how Jesus trusted His followers with a big mission. The disciples had been scared and confused before, but now they were filled with hope and joy. They finally understood that everything Jesus did—His death and resurrection—was part of God’s plan to save the world. 

Even though Jesus returned to heaven, He didn’t leave His followers alone. He promised to send the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen them. That same Spirit is with us today. We, too, are called to share God’s love, hope, and forgiveness with the people around us—at home, at school, and in our communities. 

Sometimes we might feel nervous or unsure, just like the disciples probably did. But we can take courage from their example. They didn’t hide or give up; they worshipped, stayed together, and waited for God to guide them. 

• What does this passage teach me about Jesus' mission and how I can be part of it? 
• How would I feel if I were one of the disciples watching Jesus return to heaven? 
• Who in my life might need to hear or see God’s love through me? 
• How can I show joy and trust in God, even when I don’t understand everything? 

Gospel Reading: 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. 

Prayer 

Loving God, Thank You for sending Jesus to show us Your love. Thank You for trusting us, just like the disciples, to share Your message with others. Help us to be brave and joyful, even when things feel hard or uncertain. Send Your Holy Spirit to guide our hearts, our words, and our actions, so that we can bring Your love into the world around us. 

Amen.