The Ascension of Jesus

The Second Glorious Mystery

The Ascension of Jesus is an event that bridges His earthly ministry and the eternal hope of believers. As He ascended into heaven, Jesus fulfilled His promise of redemption and paved the way for the Holy Spirit to guide and empower His followers.

This miraculous moment not only underscores His divine authority but also assures us of His continuing presence and ultimate return. Explore this sacred event with us as we delve into its significance, scripture, and the lasting impact it holds for faith today.

The Ascension of Jesus

Mary Pilgrimage 45

The Ascension of Jesus is a breathtaking moment that marked the culmination of His earthly journey and the beginning of a new chapter for His followers.

Imagine the awe and reverence as He led His disciples to the outskirts of Bethany, raising His hands to bless them one final time.

With words of purpose and assurance, Jesus passed on a sacred mission—an eternal call to share His teachings, baptize in the name of the Holy Trinity, and invite the world into a transformative relationship with God.

In an extraordinary display of divine authority, Jesus was lifted into the heavens, a cloud embracing Him as His disciples watched in wonder.

This was not merely a farewell but a promise—Jesus ascended to His rightful place at the right hand of God, yet His presence and guidance remain ever near.

The Ascension reminds believers that though He may not walk among us in the flesh, His spirit is a living force, empowering faith and hope for all time.

This sacred event holds timeless significance. It connects the earthly with the eternal, the visible with the unseen, and it inspires followers to carry forward the light of His teachings. Explore the profound meaning of the Ascension of Jesus and let it bring renewed hope and purpose to your faith journey.

The Scriptural Rosary

Jesus took them out as far as the outskirts of Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. Luke 24:50
He said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.' Matt28:18
'Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations.' Matt 28:19
'Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.' Matt 28:19
'And reach them to observe all the commands I gave you.' Matt 28:20
'He who believes and is baptized will be saved.' Mark 16:16
'He who does not believe will be condemned.' Mark 16:16
'And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.' Matt 28:20
As he said this he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight. Acts 1:9
And so the Lord Jesus was taken up into heaven; there at the right hand of God he took his place. Mark 16:19

With permission from The Scriptural Rosary book written by Joanne & John Bolger
Published and permission from Christianica (America) Center

A Journey to the Skies: The Ascension at Bethany

Mary Pilgrimage 40

The disciples followed Jesus, their hearts heavy with awe and wonder, as He led them through the rugged terrain of the Mount of Olives.

The journey was serene, the air carrying a mixture of quiet anticipation and the fragrance of olive trees swaying gently in the breeze. The bustling streets of Jerusalem faded into silence behind them, replaced by the tranquil whispers of Bethany, a village nestled in the foothills of the Mount.

Here, in the shadow of this sacred mountain, stood a land rich with history. Bethany, known in ancient times as the home of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha, bore witness to countless acts of divine compassion.

Its stones, worn smooth by time, seemed to whisper the stories of those who had walked this path before.

As they arrived at the outskirts of the village, the world seemed to still. The sun bathed the slopes in golden light, casting long shadows that stretched across the land. This was no ordinary place; it was a threshold between the earthly and the divine.

Jesus turned to face His disciples, His eyes alight with both love and purpose. He spoke words of comfort and command, commissioning them to be witnesses to the ends of the earth. The disciples hung onto His every word, their spirits ignited with a fervor they scarcely understood but fully embraced.

Then, it happened—the miraculous moment that would forever etch itself in the annals of faith. Slowly, as if the heavens themselves reached down to carry Him home, Jesus began to ascend. His figure, illuminated by an otherworldly glow, rose above the rocky terrain of Bethany. The disciples, their faces uplifted in reverence, watched in awe as He was enveloped by the clouds.

The ascension of Jesus marked not an end, but a beginning. It was here, in this quiet corner of the Mount of Olives, that the earthly ministry of Christ transitioned into a heavenly reign. Bethany, the humble village known for its connection to resurrection and life, now bore the sacred honor of being the gateway to glory.

As the disciples stood gazing into the sky, two figures in white appeared and proclaimed a message of hope: "This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven."

Bethany, the backdrop of this divine event, became a place where heaven kissed the earth. Its legacy, as the site of the Ascension of Jesus, continues to inspire and uplift those who journey through its story.

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