What is the Ascension of Christ?
The account of Jesus’ Ascension is briefly mentioned in only two of the four Gospels—the Gospel of Mark and the Gospel of Luke —even though it marks Christ’s final appearance to his disciples.
Yet this biblical passage is fundamental to our faith, as we profess in the Creed. That is why it is important for us to understand the deeper meaning of this event—celebrated by Christians 40 days after Easter—and the good news it represents! Reflect on the account of Jesus’ Ascension to gain a deeper understanding of this event that transcends us!
The Account of the Ascension (Mark 16:15–20)
“[Jesus] said to them, 'Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents [with their hands], and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.'
So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God.
But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.” (Mark 16:15–20)
Jesus enters into heavenly glory!
The Ascension of Jesus, described by Saint Mark in a single sentence—“So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God.” —nevertheless reveals a profound mystery of our Christian faith: Jesus enters into divine glory with his humanity and now sits at the right hand of God! And in doing so, he opens this path for humanity, “that we, his members, might have confidence that we too shall go where he, our Head and our Source, has preceded us.” (CCC 661).
Jesus himself announced this to us: “And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” (John 12:32). The Ascension thus completes the Resurrection, through which we are saved. Jesus, having entered into heavenly glory, never ceases to intercede for us so that we may receive the Holy Spirit, and through him, we too may come to dwell with him eternally in heaven. What good news!
Jesus will return in glory!
Jesus’ Ascension marks the fulfillment of God’s plan and humanity’s entry into its “last hour,” which will be marked by the glorious return of Christ. We Christians are called to watch and be ready, for “you know neither the day nor the hour” of his return! If the Church calls us to pray to hasten Christ’s return, it is because only then will Christ bring about the definitive triumph of good over evil. Until then, “all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now.”
So let us pray fervently, “Come, Lord Jesus!” (Rev 22:20), to hasten the coming of Christ’s reign!
With Hozana, follow the glorious Christ!
Let us rejoice as we meditate on Christ’s Ascension, for we are called to follow Him into glory!
Enter into the hope of heaven and pray to hasten the glorious return of Christ through these beautiful prayer communities:
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