Readings for Thursday May 21, 2009

Ascension of the Lord

First Reading: Acts 1:1-11
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 47
Second Reading: Ephesians 1:17-23
Gospel: Mark 16:15-20


So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them,was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God.But they went forth and preached everywhere,while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs. (Mark 16:19-20)

Praise the Lord God Almighty! I think that so many times we look at Jesus as a teacher or a good role model; many times we fail to realize just how mighty and glorious our Lord Jesus is. We do not always realize the significance of what Jesus did, we fail to comprehend the magnitude of His life, death and resurrection. Today on this ascension of the Lord, let us stop and think about the amazing gift of life that Jesus has given us. Let us just stop and be in awe of glory, as I am sure that the apostles were at His ascension into heaven.

Jesus who is both God and man gave himself for this world so that we might experience freedom. In the movie Braveheart, the main character William Wallace says "every man dies, not every man really lives." Because of Jesus and His victory over death, we are given life, the living bread, the living spring of water. We do not have to live in the bondage of sin, we can be risen up to more. I am so thankful for Him in my life and from freeing me from the life of sin that I once was living. Let us give thanks to our Lord, and go and "proclaim the gospel to every creature"!

Father above, we thank you and praise you for this day. Lord Jesus you are the king of kings and the lord of lords, we know and believe that you are seated at the right hand of the Father. Lord Jesus, give us strength and courage to follow you anywhere you lead us. Help us to do your will on this earth until the day of our death. Lord may we love you with all that we are and hold nothing back. We pray for all those who are in need of conversion in their lives, may they come to know your truth. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.