The
Ascension of the Lord
May 8,
2016
Gospel:
Lk 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 (1)
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 (2)
and then returned to
Jerusalem with great joy, and they were
continually in the temple praising God.
(http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/050816-ascension.cfm)
The difficult words
(1)Normally,
we are clothed when we put on clothes. Here, Jesus tells his disciples that
they will be clothed with power
because they are going to receive a spiritual or supernatural power that will
cover and protect them like clothing.
(2)The
disciples did him homage, meaning
that they showed Jesus much reverence.
This
week’s spotlight
The
Ascension
We start off the Lord's prayer by saying,
"Our Father, who art in heaven.” This means that God does not live on
earth in the way human beings do. Saint Luke tells us that when Jesus returns
to his Father he goes up toward him, that he ascends. We don't see Jesus in
human form anymore, but he is with us always through his Spirit, and he
prepares a place for us with his Father. This is what we celebrate on the feast
of the Ascension.
Reflection
Jesus
is always with us
For forty days, Jesus has appeared to his
disciples. They have seen him; they have recognized him. They have begun to
understand the incredible, amazing news: Jesus, the Son of God, who was
crucified, has risen! Through him, death and evil have been conquered. Now
Jesus Christ leaves his friends in order to return to his Father. Yet his
disciples will not be alone, because Jesus has promised to send them the Holy
Spirit. When the Spirit comes, they will no longer be able to be silent; they
will understand that this news must be announced to all people at all times and
in all nations. You have heard this news; the faithful who have come before
you, your family, and all the Church, have brought it to you. Even if Jesus is
no longer visible on this earth as he was to the first disciples, he is present
in his Church, through his Spirit, through his word, and through his
sacraments. It is up to you to meet him.
Discussion
questions
1.What task does
Jesus leave for the disciples to do?
2.Who will help the
disciples continue doing Jesus’ work?
3.Why are the
disciples filled with joy?
4.How do we see God’s
presence around us?
5.How have you shown
the joy of Jesus to others?
Praying after Communion
After receiving Holy Communion, you can
say this prayer
silently to yourself. If you have not yet received your First Communion, you
can still
say this prayer
because of your desire to receive Jesus.
Father, through Jesus, in
communion with the whole Church, I thank you for coming into my heart. Today we
celebrate your Son's return to you in glory. Help us to be faithful to doing
what he asks of us, so that we too can one day enjoy happiness with you in
heaven
This week…
Announce Jesus
Copy down on small pieces of
paper sentences from the Gospel that you have chosen especially for each member
of your family. Give each person his or her piece of paper.
Meet Jesus
This week, try doing a simple act
of kindness for someone, but do it with great love and care, as if you were
doing it for Jesus.
Maze puzzle
Source: http://www.usccb.org - Magnifikid - www.sermons4kids.com -www.rclblectionary.com – www.usccb.org/bible/readings-audio.cfm