Using Rembrandt’s The Ascension of the Lord alongside Matthew 28:16–20, this reflection explores how Christ’s Ascension invites us to lift our hearts toward heaven while remaining rooted in His presence through the Church and the Eucharist. By returning to Galilee—the place of first love for the disciples—Jesus teaches us to revisit the moments of conversion where we first encountered His mercy so that His light can spill into our present darkness. Through sacred art and prayer, we are reminded that Christ ascends not to abandon us, but to bring our wounded humanity home to the Father and remain universally present through the Holy Spirit, the Church, and the Eucharist.

Reflection Questions:

1. Why do you think beauty can help us encounter God more deeply?
2. What is your “Galilee”—the place or season where you first encountered God’s love?
3. What is one practical way you can “set your gaze upward” this week toward God and eternity?

"The Ascension of the Lord" by Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (c. 1636): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mQy9shxW-zStUoGzljasH6LbUEFlaknN/view?usp=drive_link

Meditation Link (you can copy and paste if the hyperlink is not available): https://docs.google.com/document/d/19V-ZW7RY0i_AaCalOs0bdDcEOyf0kcFvEaeruz0hTGk/edit?usp=sharing

Presentation Link for use as a group (you can copy and paste the link if the hyperlink is not available): https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1w03RXkHQwtOBFdFAbg-sqiv1CtC2M21hB0IjMDyHwJ0/edit?usp=sharing

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The World English Bible is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.

Intro music: "My Life (Main)” by Good B Music

Meditation Music: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A