The apostles were not physically present when Jesus rose from the dead, but they did witness numerous appearances by him after his Resurrection. The apostles saw Jesus with their own eyes; they actually touched his hands and feet; they ate several meals with him. And then, forty days after the Resurrection, they became eyewitnesses of his Ascension into heaven.

The Resurrection and the Ascension were incredible events that we have never seen for ourselves. Why should we believe the apostles’ testimony? Because they believed it themselves. They believed it so much that they were will-ing to spend the rest of their lives preaching the risen Jesus and his message.

We can’t see the risen Jesus, but we can see the effects of faith in his Resurrection and Ascension. Faith brings hope and peace and motivates people to perform heroic deeds of love and self-sacrifice.

Family Activity

Consider how your family might give witness to your belief in Jesus. Together, make a list of practical ways your family can be witnesses to others. Discuss which suggestions are most practical for your family. Try to come up with a list of five. Then, select one for family members to attempt to act on in the coming week. Take some time the following week to determine successes. Based on your success rate, repeat the same challenge for the coming week or move on to a new one.

See the Liturgical Calendar on this site for additional information.
See also Catechist—Lent or Teacher—Lent for Liturg