Luke 24:46-53 NRSVue

⁴⁶and he 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.^{, 52}And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, ⁵³and they were continually in the temple blessing God.^,

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Some thoughts on this scripture

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.

Reflection
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.

Reflection
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.