by Andrew Koslosky KGCHS, Contributing Writer

This Past Thursday Christians celebrate the Feast of the Ascension. This feast holds a significant place in the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church and with other Christian traditions.

Celebrated forty days after Easter, this solemn feast commemorates the biblical event where Jesus Christ, body and spirit, ascended into heaven in the presence of His apostles.

The Feast of the Ascension, can be celebrated, based on the decision of the Ecclesiastical Province, The Diocesan Bishop, on the Thursday 40 days after Easter or, on the Seventh Sunday of Easter. The Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, is a Holy Day of Obligation for Catholics around the world.

Most importantly, it serves as a moment that brings together the Resurrection of Jesus and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Today we will explore in our article the origins, the biblical and historical basis, theological significance and contemporary relevance of the Feast of the Ascension.

The earliest references to the Ascension trace back to the early centuries of Christianity, the earliest recorded observance of Ascension Day dating back to the year 68 AD. Ascension Day was officially recognized as a Christian holiday in the year 415 AD by the Council of Tours and became formalized in the liturgical calendar over centuries, emphasizing its theological importance.

Of course, the primary biblical sources describing the Ascension are found in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels of Mark and Luke, as well as in the Acts of the Apostles. These passages affirm historically that Jesus’ ascension occurred forty days after His resurrection and designates Mount Olivet near Bethany as the place where Christ ascended from the earth. 

“From this moment, in fact, the presence of Jesus Christ in the world is mediated by his disciples, by those who believe in him and announce him … this mission will last until the end of history and will enjoy every day the assistance of the risen Lord, who promised to be with his disciples ‘until the end of the age’” (Pope Francis, Feast of the Ascension, May 28, 2017).

In this homily for the Feast of the Ascension, Pope Francis noted that the feast marks the culmination of Jesus’ earthly mission and the beginning of the church’s mission. It is the marking of His transition from physical presence to divine reign.

By ascending into heaven, Jesus demonstrates His divine authority and sovereignty. Jesus’ ascension signifies the completion of His earthly mission, highlighting His obedience to the Father and the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies.

Hebrews 1:3 describes Jesus as “the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being,” now seated in heaven, interceding for humanity. Jesus’ ascension also sets the stage for Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit is poured out upon the apostles.

It is on Pentecost that we recognize the birth of Christ’s Church. Jesus’ promise that “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to help you and be with you forever” (John 14:16) finds its fulfillment in the coming of the Holy Spirit. This Holy Spirit will empower them to be His witnesses everywhere (Acts 1:8). 

The Holy Spirit’s outpouring at Pentecost fulfills this promise. It starts the Church’s mission and spreads Christianity beyond Jerusalem. The apostles are called to witness to Jesus Christ. This is a key moment, as it shifts responsibility from Jesus to His followers. They are now tasked with sharing the message of repentance and forgiveness. This includes sharing about His life, death, resurrection, and ascension.

The Ascension is key because it shows Jesus is now at God’s right hand, making Him Lord and Christ. The Great Commission given to the apostles by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” is highlighted during this feast, encouraging Christians to actively participate in spreading the Gospel. 

The Ascension of Jesus Christ remains a unifying theme across Christian denominations, emphasizing Christ’s authority and the mission of the Church to evangelize.

The Feast prompts believers to reflect on their own spiritual journey and ascent, growing in holiness, overcoming earthly attachments, and striving for eternal life, the gift promised by Jesus, if we follow Him. The Ascension is intrinsically linked to Christian hope in Christ’s Second Coming.

Acts 1:11 states, “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

This urges believers to live in readiness, embodying love and faithfulness. Sadly, in our increasingly secular societies, Ascension Day has lost some of its prominence.

In some regions in the west, it is no longer recognized as a public holiday, let alone a holy day of obligation. However, many churches are working to revive interest in Ascension Day by emphasizing its theological importance and its element of evangelization. For individual Christians, Ascension Day offers an opportunity for us  to reflect on Jesus’s mission, His heavenly reign, and the promise of eternal life. It challenges us to look heavenward, both in gratitude for the completed work of Christ and in anticipation of his glorious return. 

Simply stated, Jesus came down from heaven to share in our human life, in all our sufferings and joys. Today he ascends into heaven so that we can follow him. Every road leads now to heaven, if we follow Jesus who has opened the path.

At baptism, He gives us the Holy Spirit, so we are never alone.  He gives us the tools: the gifts, virtues and charisms, to navigate this challenging world and to be Christ-like.

So, let’s keep walking with Him, guided by the Holy Spirit, and commit ourselves to taking somebody with us on the journey. No matter how far you have wandered from your spiritual life, God is waiting patiently for you to come home.

Listen and look, during these next few weeks, for the Holy Spirit to point you in the right direction. Peace my Brothers and Sisters, until next week…