Luke 24:46-53 NRSVue
46He said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day 47and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48You are witnesses of these things. 49And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised, so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
50Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. 51While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven., 52And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53and they were continually in the temple blessing God.,
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Reflection on Luke 24:46-53
Inspiration from 2025-06-01 Daily Prayer
St Augustine reminds us that Jesus came to earth without leaving heaven and he returned to heaven without leaving our earth. As God, Jesus was always in heaven, but truly walked this earth, like us in all things but sin.
After Jesus was taken up into heaven, the disciples who saw this were filled with joy. In a new way, through all that Jesus achieved, heaven has become joined to earth and his presence remains the source of our joy and consolation.
Further reflection
Even as he leaves the disciples and sends them as witnesses Jesus reminds them that he had to suffer, die and rise. As I face the world into which Jesus sends me I acknowledge that the marks of his suffering will identify me as his disciple.
I stay before Jesus who lifts his hands in blessing over me. I accept his trust in me as he sends me in his name.
Jesus promises that his disciples will be clothed with power from on high. I think of those gifts of the Spirit that are necessary for me in my life. I pray for them and prepare to receive them.