The Great Lessons Ascension of the Lord

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season: Seventh Week : Sunday*

*The Ascension of the Lord*

*Gospel : Mk 16:15-20*

*First Reading : Acts 1:1-11*

*Second Reading Eph 4:1-7, 11-13*

*The Great Lessons Ascension of the Lord*

*1) Jesus has accomplished His Mission*

Jesus was sent by the Father to the World with a definite mission 

The Ascension into Heaven is the Last Part of Salvation History or Jesus' mission 

This also reminds us that Jesus has accomplished the mission which was entrusted by the Father 

*2) Heaven is the Reward for His mission*

Jesus was taken up to heaven after he was raised from the dead. 

Ascending into Heaven in this context is considered as the reward or the greatest reward for accomplishing the mission given by the Father 

So heaven is a great reward for the good work we do in this world

*3) Purpose of our Life*

The feast of the Ascension shows the purpose of our life 

Our life does not end in this world, but has different destiny to achieve 

It is an encouragement, for the followers of Jesus to prepare themselves to reach to this place 

*4) The momentariness of this World*

The World is only a place to render  service and to proclaim the Good News 

It can never be a permanent place for the human beings to live 

The very fact Jesus went up to heaven, our life is destined to heaven 

This shows the momentariness of this World

*5) Opportunity to think about Heaven and erenal life*

This feast also inspires us to reflect about heaven and Eternal life 

Christ, after accomplishing His Mission went up to heaven

This incident in the life of Jesus, is an opportunity to think about Heaven, Heavenly virtues, the way to heaven, purpose of life, the challenges which come on our way,  and our own weakness

May Jesus who ascends to heaven, help us to ascend into heaven

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*