Via Lucis – Way of Light
The Thirteenth Step on the Way of Light
The Way of Light, modelled on the Stations (or Way) of the Cross, invites us to meet the Risen Christ. It leads us down the path of Easter spirituality, whose dominant themes are new life, living hope, peace of heart, witnessing to the Good News, and communion with the Risen One.
The Canadian Province of the Congregation of the Resurrection has produced our own Via Lucis, and this Easter Season we want to share excerpts of it with you.
When [Jesus] had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.
While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
Acts 1: 9 – 11
The Thirteenth Step on the Way of Light
The Risen Lord Ascends into Heaven
Reflection:
The forty days following the Crucifixion passed quickly, during which the Risen Lord appeared and gave plenty of evidence that he was indeed alive; from his first appearance to Mary Magdalene and the women, to the Road to Emmaus, the Upper Room and the Seashore, and now finally the mountain in Galilee. Jesus then floated up in the Apostles’ presence and the cloud took him out of their sight.
At this farewell, angels reminded the Apostles that Jesus will return from heaven one day to judge the living and the dead. The mystery of Christ’s ascension marks the irreversible entrance of his humanity into the glory of God. He left one particular place on earth in order to be present in all corners of the world. From this moment humanity entered into a time of active waiting for His coming in glory, and the time of expansion of his Kingdom is already here and now. Each of us is a sign “of the Spirit pointing to a new future enlightened by faith and by Christian hope.” (VC 27)
Prayer:
Christ the Ascending one, remind us that we do not have a sustainable city here and that our homeland is in heaven.
Draw us to yourself so that we may proclaim the future resurrection and glory of the kingdom of heaven, where you live and reign with your Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
Through your holy Resurrection be glorified, Risen Lord!
Amen.