by Andrew Koslosky KGCHS, Contributing Writer
Among the central mysteries of our Christian faith, the Ascension of Jesus Christ stands as a moment of both fulfillment and promise. It marks the culmination of Christ’s earthly ministry and the beginning of a new phase in the life of the Church.
Celebrated forty days after Easter, the Ascension is not merely a departure, but a transformation. It is an elevation of our human nature into divine glory and a commissioning of all of us to continue Christ’s mission on earth.
The event of the Ascension is recorded in the New Testament, particularly in the Acts of the Apostles and the Gospel accounts. It occurred on the Mount of Olives near Bethany. It reveals profound truths about Christ’s identity, His relationship with the Father, and His ongoing presence in our world.
The most detailed account of the Ascension is found in the Acts of the Apostles, written by Saint Luke.
According to Acts 1:9–11, Jesus, after speaking to His disciples, was lifted up before their eyes, and a cloud took Him out of their sight. Two angels then appeared and said: “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw Him go.”
The Gospel of Luke also briefly recounts the Ascension, emphasizing that the disciples returned to Jerusalem with great joy, continually praising God. Before His Ascension, Jesus spent forty days with His disciples following His Resurrection.
During this time, He appeared to them, taught them about the Kingdom of God, and prepared them for their mission. This period was crucial in strengthening their faith and transforming them from fearful followers into bold witnesses.
At first glance, the Ascension might appear to be a departure or a moment when Jesus leaves His followers behind. However, upon examination, it is understood as something far greater. It is not an Absence, but a New Presence.
The Ascension does not mean that Christ is absent. Rather, it signifies a new mode of presence. No longer confined to a physical body in a specific location, Christ is now present to all people, in all places, through the Holy Spirit.
The Ascension is the final step in what is known as the Paschal Mystery—the sequence of events that includes Christ’s Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension. Together, these events accomplish the salvation of humanity. In ascending into heaven, Jesus takes human nature with Him.
This means that humanity itself is elevated and brought into the presence of God.
The Ascension carries deep theological meaning that touches on several key aspects of our Christian belief. The Ascension marks the exaltation of Jesus. Having completed His mission on earth, He is seated at the right hand of the Father, a position of honor and authority.
This fulfills the prophecy found in Psalm 110: “The Lord said to my Lord: Sit at my right hand.” From His place in heaven, Christ continues His role as mediator between God and humanity. He intercedes for all of us, presenting our prayers to the Father.
Before ascending, Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit. This promise is fulfilled at Pentecost, when the Spirit descends upon the apostles, empowering them to begin their mission.
One of the most important aspects of the Ascension is the commissioning of the disciples. Before ascending, Jesus gave His followers a mission, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”
This command, often referred to as the Great Commission, establishes the Church’s mission to spread the Gospel.
The Ascension transforms Jesus’s followers from passive observers into active participants in God’s plan. No longer relying on Christ’s physical presence, they are called to carry His message to the world. And so, therefore, we are called to do the same.
In the biblical account, Jesus is taken up into a cloud. This detail carries rich symbolic meaning.
First there is the Divine Presence.
In Scripture, clouds often signify the presence of God. For example, a cloud led the Israelites in the desert and covered Mount Sinai when God revealed Himself to Moses.
The cloud at the Ascension indicates that Jesus is entering into the fullness of divine glory. Then there is the Role of the Angels. The appearance of angels at the Ascension serves an important purpose. It is a message of Hope.
The angels remind the disciples that Jesus will return. This points to the Second Coming, when Christ will come again in glory. But most important, there is a Call to Action.
Their question, “Why do you stand looking into heaven?” encourages the disciples to move forward in their mission rather than remain passive. From a historical standpoint, the early Christians held the Ascension in high regard, recognizing its importance in the life of the Church.
The Feast of the Ascension has been celebrated since the earliest centuries of Christianity.
Early theologians reflected deeply on the Ascension, emphasizing its role in the glorification of Christ and the hope it offers all of us. Upon examination, we can see how things get cleared up quickly and all open questions get answered, because of the Ascension.
Number one, trust in God’s Plan. The disciples had to trust that Jesus’ departure was part of a greater plan.
Similarly, we are called to trust in God, even when His ways are not fully understood.
The hope for Eternal Life is addressed as the Ascension reminds Christians that heaven is their ultimate destination.
Just as Christ has gone before them, they are called to follow him. Then there is the responsibility for the Mission. We are entrusted with the task of continuing Christ’s work, sharing His message through our words and actions.
In today’s world, the message of the Ascension remains deeply relevant. The Ascension challenges individuals to live with purpose, recognizing their role in a larger mission.
Knowing that Christ reigns in heaven provides comfort and assurance, especially in times of difficulty.
The Connection to Pentecost is understood as it occurs only ten days later. The Ascension prepares the way for the coming of the Holy Spirit, who empowers the Church.
Together, these events mark the transition from Christ’s earthly ministry to the Church’s mission in the world.
To truly understand the Ascension, one must live its message. This requires prayer and reflection. Spending time in prayer helps us deepen our understanding of this major event.
This act requires service to others. Continuing Christ’s mission involves acts of love, compassion, and justice.
Then there is something many Catholics are not comfortable with, that is, witnessing their faith. Sharing one’s faith with others is a direct response to the call given at the Ascension.
The Ascension of Jesus Christ is a moment of profound significance, marking both an ending and a beginning.
Through the witness of Saint Luke and the testimony of the early Church, believers are invited to contemplate the deeper meaning of this (Ascension) event. It reminds them that Jesus is not absent but present in a new way, guiding and sustaining them through the Holy Spirit.
Ultimately, the Ascension points to a promise. The promise is that where Christ has gone, His followers are called to follow. It is a promise of eternal life, a call to mission, and a source of unshakable hope.
As we reflect on the Ascension, we are encouraged to lift our eyes not only to heaven but also to the world around us, embracing our role as witnesses to the risen and ascended Lord. We are called to proclaim the message.
As I mentioned earlier in this article, this special day has been celebrated 40 days after Easter Sunday, which would be Thursday in the sixth week of Easter.
However, most U.S. dioceses have moved the celebration of the Solemnity of the Ascension to the seventh Sunday of Easter to make it easier for all of us to fulfill the required attendance for this Holy day of Obligation.
Someday you might feel a need to take some time and reflect on it all. You may try to put the pieces all together, to get a better understanding of God’s Plan for salvation.
Starting with an understanding of the Ascension of Jesus, will give you a good start.
Peace my Brothers and Sisters, until next week…
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