Second Glorious Mystery: The Ascension of Jesus

The Glorious Mysteries, which celebrate Jesus' victory over death, invite us to contemplate his ascension into heaven and the promise of the Holy Spirit. Today, we explore in depth the Second Glorious Mystery: The Ascension of Jesus.

Introduction to the Second Glorious Mystery

The Second Glorious Mystery invites us to pray and reflect on the Ascension of Jesus. Forty days after his resurrection, Jesus ascends into heaven, physically leaving his disciples but promising to send them the Holy Spirit. This event marks the end of his earthly ministry and the beginning of the Church's mission.

Biblical context of the Ascension

The Ascension of Jesus is described in the Gospels of Mark and Luke, as well as in the Acts of the Apostles:

• Mark 16:19:‘The Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.’
• Luke 24:50-51: ‘He led them as far as Bethany, then, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he parted from them, and was taken up into heaven."
• Acts 1:9-11: ‘When he had said this, he was lifted up while they were looking at him, and a cloud hid him from their eyes. And while they were looking up to heaven as he went, two men clothed in white appeared to them, and said, Men of Galilee, why do you stop to look up to heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up into heaven from among you, will come in the same way as you saw him going into heaven."

Spiritual Signification of the Ascension

The Ascension of Jesus is of great spiritual significance:

• Glorification of Jesus: Through his ascension, Jesus is exalted and seated at the right hand of God, marking the fulfilment of his earthly mission.
• Promise of the Holy Spirit: Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen his disciples in their mission.
• Hope for the Return of Jesus: The ascension reminds believers of the promise of Jesus' return at the end of time.

How to Pray about the Ascension of Jesus

1. Preparation: Find a quiet, contemplative place. Take a few moments to relax and be silent within.
2. Reading: Read slowly and carefully the biblical passages on the Ascension of Jesus.
3. Reflection: Think about the glorification of Jesus and the promise of the Holy Spirit. Meditate on what this means for your faith and spiritual life.
4. Prayer: Address God, asking for the grace to understand this mystery deeply and to live in witness to the Ascension of Jesus.
5. Integration: Reflect on concrete actions you can take to live in witness to your faith in the glorification of Jesus and the promise of the Holy Spirit.

The Spiritual Benefits of Praying about the Ascension of Jesus

• Strengthening Faith: By praying over this mystery, we deepen our understanding of Jesus' ascension, thereby strengthening our faith in his glorification.
• Hope and Joy: This prayer inspires us to live with hope and joy, knowing that Jesus is exalted to the right hand of God.
• Identification with Jesus: We identify more deeply with Jesus' mission, finding in him a model of faith and perseverance.
• Consolation and Confidence: As we meditate on the Ascension, we find consolation and confidence in our mission as disciples, guided by the Holy Spirit promised by Jesus.

The Second Glorious Mystery, the Ascension of Jesus, calls us to deep prayer and reflection on the glorification of Jesus and the promise of the Holy Spirit. By praying this mystery, we come closer to understanding the love and mission of Jesus, and we commit ourselves to living in witness to our faith in his ascension. May this reflection inspire us to accept and overcome our own challenges with faith and hope, following the example of Jesus.