Ascension of the Lord

The Ascension of the Lord

‘Now as he (Jesus) blessed them, he withdrew from them and was carried up to heaven. They worshipped him and then went back to Jerusalem full of joy.’ The feast of the Ascension of the Lord is above all else a feast of hope. Hope has been described as, not just some vague kind of feeling, but rather having someone or something worth living for and dying for. In Christ we have such a person. He lives in us in our marriage and family relationships and it is worth putting every effort into making those the best possible for his sake. He lives among us in our community and again we need to do everything in our power to make our parish the best we possibly can to his glory and for the good of all. And Christ lives for us in heaven at the right hand of the Father, assuring us of our ultimate destiny among the saints. We can aim to be there!

Johnny Doherty, C.Ss.R.

Morning Prayer, when together

God our Father

make us joyful in the ascension of your Son Jesus Christ.

May we follow him into the new creation,

for his Ascension is our glory and our hope.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

During the day, when apart

Lord, receive the offering of our married love

as we celebrate the Ascension of Christ your Son.

May his gifts help us rise with him to the joys of heaven.

We ask this through Christ Our Lord.

Evening/Night Prayer together

Father, in our sacrament of marriage

we touch the divine life you give to the world.

Help us to follow Christ with love to eternal life.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Questions for Action for the week

For your marriage: What will you do to grow in unity of mind, heart and affection with each other this week?

For others: How could you help your parish to be more a community this week?