Seventh Week of Easter
Jesus ascended into heaven, promising the Holy Spirit to comfort and guide the disciples.
Gospel according to Luke 24:46-53
Jesus said to the disciples, “Thus it is written, that the Christ is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.”“And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God.
Reflections
Today’s reading recounts the Ascension of Jesus into heaven, according to Luke. It happened forty days after the Resurrection. Fifty days after resurrection, on Pentecost, we celebrate the descending of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles.
For forty days after his resurrection, Jesus spent time with the disciples, reassuring them and instructing them that everything that happened took place according to God’s plan. The apostles were greatly comforted when they saw Jesus appear to them in his heavenly body. He instructed them to remain in Jerusalem until another significant event needs to take place: First, they will see Jesus ascend into Heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father until His second coming in glory. Some time later, the Holy Spirit will descend on them. (Luke 24;49).
In John’s Gospel we find these reassuring words of Jesus: “I will not leave you orphans” (John 14:18), “I will ask the Father and He will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him not knows him. You know him because he abides with you, and he will be in you” (John 14:16).
There is a reference to the Triune God, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit working together in unity. God the Father is the Creator (1) Jesus is the Son who brings us closer to the Father by revealing Him to us. (2) The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth, wisdom and love that completes and binds together in unity; “…the giver of life and the source of all divine blessings.” (3)
Despite Jesus leaving the disciples, which means that from now on they will not be able to see him the way they are used to seeing Him, he promises that He will remain with them through the power of the Holy Spirit. Even though this is a good-bye, it is rather a farewell, and a hello: “After Jesus blessed them, he was enveloped in a cloud and carried up into heaven (Luke 24:50).” However, the disciples, instead of being sad, which would have been the case if this was an ordinary parting, rejoiced and worshipped God. From comfort in Jesus’ words, they had reassurance in His words. They looked with hope and confidence to the future, where with help from another “Advocate” and “helper,” a “counselor,” and “comforter,” “protector,” and “sustainer,” they will be able to carry on their mission. (4)
Parakletos—is a Greek word derived from “para” (translated as with or beside you) and “kletos” (derived from the verb “kalein” which means to call); someone who calls on your behalf, calls you, and calls with you. (5) The Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, makes the disciples recipients of grace and the believers co-workers of God, to act not only from their own human power but from the power of God—it will act in them and with them with power, as in the fire and the wind, and gentleness, like the silence and the gentle breeze (6) The Spirit will help them to discern the truth, testify about Jesus, and feel the closeness and love of God in their lives. (6)
Paraklete is translated as someone who stands with us and stands beside us. (5) We can turn to the Holy Spirit for defense, for comfort, for help, and to be there for us and with us. Also, to inspire us to understand God’s commandment of love and to remain in His love as we go out into the world. (5)
According to Pope Francis, the Spirit working in us is powerful, but it is also gentle and welcoming:
“…It is not arrogant and imposing, but born of fidelity to the truth that the Spirit teaches us in our hearts….Consequently, we do not give up but tirelessly proclaim peace to those who desire war, forgiveness to those who seek revenge, welcome and solidarity to those who bar their doors and erect barriers, life to those who choose death, respect to those who love to humiliate, insult, and reject, fidelity to those who would sever every bond, thereby confusing freedom with a beak and empty individualism…Nor are we intimidated by hardship, derision, or opposition, which, today as always, are never lacking in the apostolate.” (6)
Pope Francis concluded last year’s meditation on the Holy Spirit with the reminder that “…listening to the Word of God…helps to silence the chatter…and provides space for one to hear the consoling voice of the Holy Spirit.” (6)
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church (2025). Paragraph 279. Retrieved from: www.catholicculture.org
- Catechism of the Catholic Church (2025). Paragraph 240. Retrieved from: www.catholicculture.org
- Catechism of the Catholic Church (2025). Paragraphs 245. Retrieved from: www.catholicculture.org Accessed; May 30, 2025.
- Shea, M. (2015). Paraclete. National Catholic Register. Retrieved from: ncregister.com. Accessed: May 30, 2025.
- Dees, J. (2025). The Meaning of the Word Paraclete. The Religion Teacher. Retrieved from: www.religionteacher.com Accessed: May 30, 2025.
- Mares, C. (2024). Pope Francis on Pentecost. Retrieved from: www.catholicnewsaganecy.com Accessed: May 30, 2025.