The Ascension
By Mike Lambrecht
Today we celebrate Jesus Christ's ascension into heaven. The ascension is often overlooked in favor of other events in the life of Christ, such as Christmas and Easter. However, we must keep in mind that the Ascension is an integral part of the paschal mystery, Christ's saving work. When pondering about the Ascension, we may wonder as to why Christ did not remain with us. Jesus himself answers this question in scripture:
In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me, because I live and you will live. The Advocate, the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name--he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. You heard me tell you, 'I am going away and I will come back to you.' If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe.1
We can take several lessons from the words of Jesus here. First, he leaves us so that he can send us the Holy Spirit as our helper. Secondly, he leaves because it is appropriate that he should go to the Father in Heaven. Thirdly, we should exult that Jesus is going ahead of us to prepare a place for us and that he will return to us at a later time.2 Because we do not know the time or the hour, we ought to live our lives in such a way as to always be ready for when Christ comes again.3
Blessed Juan Escriva has this to say about the Ascension:
Our Lord's Ascension also reminds us of another fact. The same Christ, who encourages us to carry out our task in the world, awaits us in heaven. In other words, our life on earth, which we love, is not definitive. We are 'citizens of heaven' and at the same time fully fledged citizens of this earth, in the midst of difficulties, injustices and lack of understanding, but also in the midst of the joy and serenity that comes from knowing that we are children of God.4
The Ascension, therefore, should remind us of the fact that we have a dual citizenship. We are on earth and yet we are children of God and heirs of the kingdom of heaven.5 The Ascension should give us hope. One day, we too hope to share in the joys of heaven. One day, we too hope to see Jesus face to face.
1 John 14:19,26,28-29
2 John 14:3
3 Matthew 24:36-50
4 The Navarre Bible. Blessed Juan Escriva, Christ is Passing By, 126.
5 Romans 8:17