By Sr. Regina Bechtle, based on the story as recounted in Acts 1:12-14:
After Jesus ascended, all his followers, we are told, went back to the city, to the upper room.
It was for them a place of safety where they had known Jesus’ gift of himself.
Where they could remember the intimacy they shared in bread broken, in feet washed.
Where they knew the deep bond that united them with Jesus and with one another.
Where the painful memory of one of them who betrayed Jesus was fresh, the memory of all the events that Judas’ sad and shameful act had set in motion.
In that upper room, the reminder of God’s enduring love remained.
Jesus’ followers began to experience that love as a power that could overcome even violence, tragedy, betrayal, death. That power, they would come to understand, was theirs to share.
That love, that power, was the lasting legacy of their beloved Jesus, who gave not only his Body but pledged to share his very Spirit with them.
That love, that power, is Jesus’ gift to us as well.
Beautiful encounter with their reality
Thank you for this reflection on the feast of the Ascension. Love is the most powerful word in human experience and human history. Jesus expressed the power of “ground-breaking” Love at His Resurrection and raised to the heavens our call to witness to Love at His Ascension. May we ever find our home in Jesus and be at home in sharing His love with all people and all creation.
Thank you for the beautiful meditation for the Feast of the Ascension!
Insightful and inspiring (as always w/Sr. Regina’s reflections…)
Thank you so much. I had forgotten. Not the love. I NEVER forget the LOVE. I just forgot what day it was. Prayers continue daily for the Sisters of Charity which were begun by BOTH of my mothers ……. adopted and natural and continued by me and my girls more than seventy years later. I LOVE the ASCENSiON!!!! Again, thanks for reminding me not to miss it. I certainly would have beaten myself mercilessly tomorrow. Please pray for me and my Philamena Gabrielle and Amelia Michelle ……we are in particular dire need protem Peace and love and all things good ! ’51 NYF
Thank you, dear Regina. Your reflection is beautiful. As always, your words call me to prayer and I am so very grateful..