Theme:

The ascension of Jesus happened forty days after his resurrection. This was when Jesus went up to heaven and is not seated at the Father's right hand.

Questions:

Day 1: The first reading is the beginning of the Acts of the Apostles. The Acts of the Apostles records the movement of the Holy Spirit in the early Church.

• The book begins with an introduction to Theophilus, which can be translated as Lover of God. Are you a lover of God?

• The author also said that Jesus presented himself alive to the apostles. Why did Jesus have to present himself by many convincing proofs?

• Jesus instructed his apostles to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the promise of the Father. What or who is the promise of the Father? Why is he called the promise of the Father?

• Jesus also said that they apostles will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. What does it mean to be baptized in the Holy Spirit? What will you tell the Holy Spirit so that you can be baptized with him?

Day 2: The episode continues with the apostles asking Jesus about the restoration of the kingdom of Israel. Even after three years and the resurrection, they still did not understand.

• Do you have any preconceived ideas about Jesus? Are these ideas hindering you from really knowing the real Jesus?

• The answer of Jesus mapped out the mission of the Church. What should the disciples be concerned about? What is the mission of the Church?

• The angels told the disciples that Jesus will come in the same way as he went to heaven. They spoke of his second coming. However, Jesus also comes to everyone's life. Has Jesus come to your life?

• How will you tell Jesus to come to your life?

Day 3: The psalm speaks of the greatness of God again.

• The psalmist says that God is awesome. What did he do?

• The psalmist calls God as a great king over all the earth. What does this mean?

• God continues to do awesome deeds in everyone's life. What awesome deed has God done for you lately? How should you respond to God's work in your life?

Day 4: The second reading is taken from St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians. It speaks of what the Father has done for Jesus and for us.

• St. Paul prays that God will give his readers a spirit of wisdom and revelation as they come to know Jesus. What does this mean?

• St. Paul continues to speak about the hope to which God has called everyone. What is this hope?

• Do you share this hope? If not, why?

Day 5: The reading continues to speak of what God has done for Jesus.

• What power was St. Paul talking about in verses 19-20? What did this power do?

• What did St. Paul mean when he said that God has put Jesus above all rule and authority ... above every name? How is this relevant to you?

• How is the authority of Jesus over all creation relevant to your life?

• Do you want to experience this power? What will you tell Jesus?

Day 6: The gospel reading speaks of the ascension of Jesus from Matthew's perspective.

• The Eleven went to a mountain in Galilee where Jesus told them to go. Verse 17 says that they saw him, worshiped him. What does the word worship imply in this verse?

• The same verse also said that some doubted. Is it possible to see the resurrection and still doubt it? Have you ever experienced something so awesome that you could not believe that it was happening to you? How would you describe that situation?

• Do you have doubts about Jesus or of his love for you? This is part of growth. What will you tell him about your doubt? Ask Jesus to reveal himself to you.

Day 7: After seeing his disciples, Jesus sent them out.

• Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me”. What did he mean by that? If all authority has been given to Jesus, is there anything greater than Jesus? If you are afraid, what will you tell Jesus about your fears?

• Jesus gave three commands to his disciples: 1. Go and make disciples of all nations; 2. baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit; 3. Teaching them to obey everything that I commanded you. This command is for every disciple of Jesus. Are you doing these things? How can you fulfill this commission of Jesus to you?

• Jesus said, “Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age”. Do you believe this promise? What does this mean to you? How is this relevant to your faith?