Catholic Men’s Daily Devotional – The Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ – Cycle C – Luke 24:46-53

In Luke 24:46-53, Jesus makes it clear that the disciples are witnessing the fulfillment of prophecies from the books of the Prophets about the Messiah; these prophecies (Psalm 31, 69, 118; Isaiah 50:6; Isaiah 53, to name a few) are startlingly accurate and are hundreds of years old. During His own life, Jesus accurately revealed that He would be crucified and rise again on the third day (Luke 9:22; 18:33; 24:6-7).

Christ moves to future prophecy by way of giving the Apostles their marching orders, instructing them that they will preach repentance for the forgiveness of sins to Jerusalem and all the nations. This prophecy of Christ has been fulfilled by the world-wide presence and ongoing preaching of the Gospel through the last two thousand years.

Reinforcing the Trinity, the Son teaches the promises of the Father will be fulfilled by the sending of power from on high to the Apostles (via the Holy Spirit).

Ever the Leader, Christ leads the apostles to Bethany, blesses them and ascends to Heaven.  Rather than wither in the loss of Jesus, the Apostles rejoice at the installment of Christ at the right hand of the Father.

Awed by Jesus Christ – Remarkably, Jesus as the Second Person of the Trinity and Divine Prophet, has inspired the Prophets to write about Him and then fulfills what He has inspired in the Incarnation.  Jesus’s own prophecies of His Death, Resurrection, Ascension and the worldwide Church have also been fulfilled. As Divine King and Leader, Jesus sends His Apostles (literally, those sent) out with the mission to evangelize the world. In His Glorified Body, with Divine Power, Jesus Christ mysteriously and supernaturally ascends into Heaven, leaving the apostles rejoicing.

Being a Heroic Catholic Man

1) Contemplate that the prophecies about Christ spread out across several millennia came true during Christ’s lifetime and the Christ’s prophecies have come true. Read about the fulfillment of prophecy to grow in faith.

2) Christ makes it clear that forgiveness follows repentance.  Do an in-depth examination of conscience and get to Confession as soon as possible.  If you wish to be forgiven, you must confess your sins.

3) Jesus instructs the apostles to be witnesses to Him in the World.  Make one concrete goal to be a witness to Christ; be specific: who will you evangelize?  How will you do it?

Spiritual Practices – Include in Today’s Prayers

Sacred Mystery of Rosary – The Glorious Mysteries

Daily Devotion – The Blessed Trinity

Virtue of the Day – Charity