"All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers" – Acts 1:14
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After the resurrection of Jesus until his Ascension, he was presenting himself alive to the apostles giving them instructions, convincing them with many proofs speaking about the kingdom of God. One of the instructions was not to leave Jerusalem until they receive the promise of the Father – the Holy Spirit. At the mount of Olives just before the Ascension, Jesus tells them, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." – Acts 1:8.
After witnessing the Ascension of Jesus at the mount of Olives, the apostles returned to Jerusalem as it was instructed to them by their master. In the upper room, most probably in the same place where they had the last supper along with Jesus; they were constantly devoting themselves to prayer. Not only just the apostles but there were also other men and women disciples of Jesus.
Dear friends in Christ Jesus, our God is always faithful in his promises. The apostles and other disciples of Jesus remained faithful to the instructions of Jesus by remaining back in Jerusalem. Not only they just remained there physically, but took extra efforts in constantly devoting themselves to prayer. This is something really amazing. The communion, oneness, closeness, togetherness with one heart and mind, this is exactly what God wants from us.
Jesus wants to unite us so that with the power of the Holy Spirit we can help him to build up the kingdom of God.
Reflection on Acts of the Apostles 1:1-14 by Fr. George Joseph SVD
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