Spiritual Thoughts for the week

May 23- Ascension

The Ascension is celebrated in the U.S. this Sunday, moved from its traditional place of Thursday, the 40th day after Easter. "Tradition tells us that if you are searching for the very spot where Christ ascended from earth to heaven, you should leave the east side of the city of Jerusalem through St. Stephen's Gate (also known as the Lion's Gate), walk down toward the bottom of Kidron Valley, take the fork in the road at Gethsemane, and climb a steep hill for 1/4 of a mile until you reach the top of the Mount of Olives. At the end of this half hour excursion you will discover an octagonal mosque crowned with a dome. Inside that small building, you will find an elevated section of earth. And imprinted on that earth you will see a single set of footprints, reputedly left by Christ as he ascended to the Father. Several structures, both Christian & Muslim, have existed on this site throughout 20 centuries, commemorating the holy event that took place here. (from Magnificat)