# The Ascension – A Glorious Mystery for the Americas
*2008-02-27*

> Bill Young reflects on the Ascension, shares personal stories of heavenly encounters, and leads a prayerful meditation on Acts 1, inviting listeners across the Americas to join in the mystery.

## Opening Thoughts on Heaven

I begin by meditating on Acts 1:2‑3 and 9‑14 as we contemplate the joy of heaven. Many of us wonder what heaven will be like. Recent media stories, like a Fox News Easter special, recount a pastor who, after a near‑fatal accident, described beautiful smells, heavenly songs, and reunion with loved ones. I, too, have felt a profound sense of joy when praying the rosary for my late Aunt Mary Teresa, and my sister experienced a similar peace at her funeral. These testimonies remind us that heaven is a place of love and joy.

## Contemporary Testimonies of Heavenly Glimpses

Last night, at a gathering of the Couples of Christ’s Servants, a young man shared two recent visions of heaven. He described angels at the gate checking a book—perhaps the Book of Life—before allowing him entry. He saw a magnificent cathedral, fragrant flowers, and even conversed with God and his deceased grandfather. Such experiences, while personal, reinforce the belief that heaven is real and that our prayers are heard there.

## Scripture Reading from Acts

The passage from Acts reads:

“Until the day when He was taken up, after He had given command through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen, He presented Himself alive after His passion by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days, speaking of the kingdom of God.” (Acts 1:2‑3)

“And when He had said these things, while they were looking up, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. While they were gazing into the heavens, two men in white robes stood beside them and said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This is Jesus who was taken up from you into heaven; He will return in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven.’” (Acts 1:9‑11)

“The disciples returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s journey away, and went up to the upper room where they were staying. Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James—all devoted themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers.” (Acts 1:12‑14)

## Prayer of the Ascension

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

## Closing Intentions for the Americas

Lord Jesus, forgive us our sins and save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to heaven, especially those most in need of Your mercy. May the peoples of North, Central, and South America who have not yet known Your love encounter the risen Christ and be drawn into Your kingdom. Amen.

*The Ascension reminds us that heaven is a real, joyous reality, and our prayers join us with the saints and angels already there.*