Holy Rosary Month - Day 28: Glorious Mysteries 2

Holy Rosary Month - Day 28: Glorious Mysteries 2

The ascension of Christ into heaven: In the second glorious mystery we meditate on the ascension of Christ into heaven. We have already seen that the resurrection of Jesus Christ was the focal point of proclamation of apostles and Christians. Peter’s all messages were concentrated on this particular point: “You killed the one who leads to life, but God raised him from death – and witnesses to this.” (Acts 3:15; 2:23, 24; 4:10; 5:30, 31; 10:39, 40) Paul also had basis for his proclamation on the resurrection of Jesus; the whole chapter 15 of 1 Corinthians and other references reveal this fact. How did these people become brave enough to proclaim him so boldly? Earlier they were afraid and desperate; they were with sad faces; (Lk 24:17) they were behind locked doors; (Jn 20:19) and Simon Peter was of the opinion that he would be going fishing. (Jn 213) When we think of their difference in attitude, we find that it has basis on Jesus’ ascension and the Pentecost. In this mystery we meditate on the ascension only; “Then he led them out of the city as far as Bethany, where he raised his hands and blessed them. As he was blessing them, he departed from them and was taken up into heaven. They worshipped him and went back into Jerusalem, filled with great joy, and spent all their time in the temple giving thanks to God.” (Lk 24:51, 53) Though the disciples were with him for three years they were not fully convinced of his teachings and promises. Therefore, we find Jesus reproaching them: “How foolish you are, how slow you are to believe everything the prophets said! Was it not necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and then to enter his glory?” (Lk 24:25, 26) “He scolded them, because they did not have faith and because they were too stubborn to believe those who had seen him alive.” (Mk 16:14) But after Jesus’ ascension they remembered well and were convinced of Jesus’ earlier promise, “There are many rooms in my father’s house, and I am going to prepare a place for you. I would not tell you this if it were not so. And after I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to myself, so that you will be where I am.” (Jn 14:2-4) Now they are no more thinking of their fishing nets rather of “the prize of victory awarded for a righteous life.” (2 Tim 4:8)

                      

Prayer: Oh Mary, queen of heavens! We come to you today for your special maternal help and protection. Mary, our mother and guide; help us to believe in the promises of Jesus Christ especially, in the promise that he will come again and take us into heaven.  In this holy mystery we specially pray for all those who have lost their faith in eternal life and heaven. Let them be given the gift of eternal light as in the life of those who traveled from Jerusalem to Emmaus. May Mother Mary, intercede for them, and be with us always! Amen! 

Greetings:  Wish you all a nice and blissful Marian Tuesday!