Gospel – Luke 24:46-53
Jesus said to his disciples: “Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold I am sending the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” Then he led them out as far as Bethany, raised his hands, and blessed them. As he blessed them he parted from them and was taken up to heaven. They did him homage
and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and they were continually in the temple praising God.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church
672 Before his Ascension Christ affirmed that the hour had not yet come for the glorious establishment of the messianic kingdom awaited by Israel which, according to the prophets, was to bring all men the definitive order of justice, love, and peace. According to the Lord, the present time is the time of the Spirit and of witness, but also a time still marked by “distress” and the trial of evil which does not spare the Church and ushers in the struggles of the last days. It is a time of waiting and watching.
From “The Great Crusade of Mercy” Testimony of Catalina Rivas (CM-118:11-12)
11) The people of Galilee, who looking up had seen Me raised from the earth and disappear among the clouds, were the first to feel My attraction after My Ascension. And as such, they were also the first to reach the fountain of My Doctrine that Peter and the others had heard but without yet really understanding it.
12) From Heaven I began the work of convincing mankind and mankind responded to My love because I instilled truth and with truth their awareness grew. So that even before the great movement of the Holy Spirit, My Light had predisposed creatures toward the acknowledgement of the same Spirit and His works, just as I did with each one of you. It is not that human beings knew in advance what I wanted to do with them, but only that awareness grew in them. Therefore, I smiled with real joy just as I smiled when I saw you arriving at this encounter with Me, leaving behind the world, its responsibilities and demands….
Each week we will be presenting a portion of the following Sunday’s readings, and linking it to relevant parts of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and messages from the Testimony of Catalina. Pay special attention to the italicized underlined sections. This Sunday it is asked, What kind of soil will you be for the word of God? We hope this is inspiring and educational. Any comments you have are certainly welcomed.
Tim Francis prepared this educational program to help you increase your faith and love for the Holy Trinity and our Blessed Mother. His website is http://YouShallBelieve.com
I have known Tim for many years and recommend his work highly. He is a strong advocate for the “The Real Body and Blood Of Jesus” and the numerous miracles that occur on a daily basis. Both of us are greatly inspired by the amazing writings of Catalina Rivas. Catalina is one of the few individuals in history who personally experienced the “Stigmata Of Jesus Christ.”