Feast of the Ascension Gospel C

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.

· Jesus presents in summary the core message they are to preach with its central teaching: his death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins.

· Because they are witnesses of this salvific event, they are to tell others. How do we witness the impact in our lives of Jesus’ death and resurrection resulting in the forgiveness of our sins?

· In what ways have you experienced God’s love and mercy through the forgiveness of sins over the last month? Have you witnessed that to anyone?

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.”

· He is referring to the coming of the Holy Spirit upon them in power. This conclusion of the Gospel of Luke will tie in with the beginning of the Acts of the Apostles that Luke also wrote.

· Do you recognize the role of the Holy Spirit in your own lives and the call to witness to others?

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. 

· Bethany is on the Mt of Olives across from Jerusalem. It is outside of the village of Martha, Mary and Lazarus.

· A fuller picture of the Ascension is found in the first chapter of Acts. Reread it.

They did him homage and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and they were continually in the temple praising God.

· Luke began his Gospel with the appearance of the Angel Gabriel to Zechariah in the Temple in Jerusalem. He ends his Gospel with the Disciples praising God in the Temple.

· What is God’s message to you as you reflect on this passage?