Spiritually Clothed – Luke 24:46-53 Reflection
In most artistic visualizations of the Ascension, there is an upward movement of Jesus and various types of light to signify glory. Saint Luke uses “carried up into heaven,” so it is natural to assume a physical up. We are human, so our view of the world most often includes our senses. For a moment, think of a time when something lifted you emotionally. Or how about when you knew the Holy Spirit was working within you? It would seem that it is also a type of movement. Emotional and spiritual highs seem more inward than up. It would seem that the warmth and love we are feeling is Heaven reaching out to us. The disciples learned that Jesus’s “clothed with power from on high” meant that the Holy Spirit (Jesus’ and God’s love in Heaven) came into them. The Spirit from heaven also simultaneously exists within us. We are spiritually clothed with the Spirit so that, among other things, we can bless others with our time, talent, and treasures, worship God in return, and be filled with great joy. In this case, God in heaven is perceived not as an up but as mingling with us, so when we think of Ascension, we can include more than just an upward movement.
The Ascension, by James Tissot (full resolution image of painting)
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Eastertide Reflections
Luke 24:46-53 – Scripture (NRSV Bible)
46 and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 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.”
The Ascension of Jesus
50 Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; 53 and they were continually in the temple blessing God.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Luke 24:46-53 – Spiritually Clothed.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate your expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let our communities’ young families experience your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions. Amen
Attributions
* This site has written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible for the passage of Luke 24. The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image use on the Brooklyn and Jewish Museum websites.
Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Spiritually Clothed
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.