Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Psalm for Sunday, May 8, 2016


Reflections
 

“God mounts his throne amid shouts of joy.”

  














This week we celebrate the Ascension of
our Lord, who was taken up to heaven
to be seated at the right hand of the Father,
far above every principality, with authority
over every nation, as our 2nd reading tells us.
(Ephesians 1: 20-22)
With such an awesome God on his throne,
what hope do we have as mere human beings
that we will ever be able to approach Him?
How far above us can this Jesus be, if He is
taken up to heaven and has all things put
beneath his feet?

Power is often associated with arrogance and
brutal treatment, but our God uses his power
to work miracles, and bring about healing.
And his power is expressed by his love, by
which we are raised up with Jesus. He is risen,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father
in heaven. Knowing this, “We shout with joy,
and we praise Him,” as our psalmist says.

Though He has ascended, fortunately Jesus
leaves with us a way to share in his divinity,
through the Holy Spirit which he gives to us.
His power and presence remain within us,
so long as we repent from our sins and believe 
in Him.

After Jesus' Ascension, the disciples began their
active ministry, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
That same power is given to us – we too are called
to ministry, to go into the world and proclaim 
the Gospel!  And for that we are inspired to praise 
the Lord; as the psalmist says, “Clap your hands, 
shout to God with cries of gladness; sing praise to God!”

Amen

 
Discussion Questions for Reflection


1.  As per the Psalm and the readings this week, our Lord has been 
raised up so high above us.  How do you reach Him, how do you build 
a personal relationship with Him?

2.  The psalmist encourages us to clap our hands, and shout to God with cries 
of gladness, because God mounts His throne.  Speak of how you are raised up 
with our Lord Jesus, as He ascends to sit at the right hand of the Father.
 


2 comments:

  1. J Kim8:40 AM

    Our Savior and Lord has indeed been raised so high above us, but the beautiful genius of the plan is that Jesus is still always with us. I see it in two big ways: through the gift of the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity... and also through the Eucharist.

    As we approach Pentecost, the image of being on fire for the Lord is becoming clearer. We each have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit -- but we are more in tune with the Spirit's groanings and promptings as we walk closer to God.

    Regarding the Eucharist, we know that the Word became flesh and that we receive Him at every Mass; we are literally in communion with Him when we accept the Precious Body and Blood, also referred to as "communion" for this reason. We ingest His very flesh so as to be united with Jesus and in turn with God the Father. Hopefully, the presence of Jesus within us helps us to become more like Him. At the same time, we are encouraged to approach his throne with boldness and confidence in our prayers, like a child approaching his parent with a concern or desire.
    I thank God for the compassion and perfect mercy of His design.

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  2. When I look upon the image of the ascension of our Lord Jesus, who is now seated at the right hand of the Father, it is awesome beyond words. Who could possibly be able to approach Him ? But out of His love He promises us He will send the Holy Spirit, His advocate and comforter, who will guide us to the truth.

    Since His spirit is within me, my body becomes a temple of God, His dwelling place. And also because of my belief in Jesus as the son of God, He makes all things possible, so that now I have access to Him. No doubt I also will be raised up with Him, through Him, because of His victory over death for me.

    Now I am able to approach Jesus by professing my faith, saying "He is the Lord," using my lips to express what is in my heart. Not only by worshiping and praising Him, but also by receiving the Eucharist, His body and blood, I am able to have a close relationship with Jesus.

    Sing praise to Him with gratitude!

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