Ascension Sunday WORD Reflection Guide

May 29, 2022/Ascension Sunday Luke 24: 46 - 53

This Bible Reading reflection follows the H-WORD method which is an adaptation of the Lectio Divina.

H - stands for Hymn, W - Word of God O- Observe how the Word affects us R- Respond to the Word in prayer D- Discern how to enflesh the Word

1. WORD

Read Luke 24: 46 – 53

Luke described in a graphic way how Jesus went back to the Father. The Apostles were gathered on Mount of Olives from where Jesus rose to the heavens while the disciples were looking up.

As the two men dressed in white told the disciples: “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taking from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1: 11).

Luke highlighted the eschatological event when Jesus will come back from the heavens to judge the living and the dead. Sort of connecting the dots between the past of Easter and the future of the Second Coming.

At the same time, it will also pave way to the dramatic descent of the Holy Spirit during the Pentecost.

2. OBSERVE

Luke contends that by the Ascension of Jesus which paves the way for the coming of the Spirit, it has become possible to claim that Jesus speaks through the community.

Thus, it becomes necessary that disciples listen to God’s promptings in community.

Listening as a way of life is not new.

At present, it is highlighted by Pope Francis who made it as a sort of modus operandi.

However, listening also brings to the fore our human experience that the community can also become an instrument of power play and struggles. After all, gossiping and intrigue is also listening.

We know that, although we may claim that what the community has proclaimed are the fruits of discernment and listening, it must stand the test of unity and charity.

If it leads to division and confusion, then it is not from the Spirit of God but from the Satan who appears as if he is the Angel of Light.

“Obsculta/Ausculta, o filii” (Listen carefully, o son) were the first words of the Benedictine rule.

The Psalmist memorably prayed: “today if you hear God’s voice, harden not your hearts” (Psalm 95).

3. RESPOND

Heavenly Father, your Son went back to the heavens to sit at your right hand.

Yet, he did not abandon us because he became present to all of us through the Holy Spirit.

He is present among us in his WORD and in the community which abides in his WORD in love.

4. DISCERN

During the time of Bishop Fortich, the Church in Negros listened to the cry of the poor which led it to work for social justice.

Bishop Gregorio led the Church in Negros to listen to the promptings of the Spirit for a new springtime in lay and charismatic movement.

While during the time of Bishop Navarra, the Church in Negros stood for the sanctity of life and the integrity of the family.

At present, under Bishop Buzon, the listening continues with the call for a spirituality of stewardship.

In what ways, can you live that makes the presence of Jesus alive?