The Ascension of Jesus is one of the most beautiful and mysterious moments in the Gospel story. After His Resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples for forty days, teaching them and strengthening their faith. Then, before their eyes, He was “lifted up, and a cloud took Him out of their sight” (Acts 1:9). Many people ask — why did He have to go? What does His Ascension mean for us who still live on earth?
When we reflect on this mystery, we see that the Ascension is not about Jesus leaving us, but about His returning to the Father in glory. His mission on earth — to redeem humanity — was complete. Now, the Son of God takes our human nature, glorified by His Resurrection, into the heart of heaven. In doing so, He opens the way for us to follow. As Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). The Ascension, then, is the promise that where He has gone, we too are called to go.
But Jesus did not leave us alone. Before ascending, He promised, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8). The Ascension is the bridge between Easter and Pentecost — between the victory of Christ and the coming of the Spirit. From His place in heaven, Jesus now intercedes for us as our High Priest, sending the Holy Spirit to guide, strengthen, and sanctify His Church. In His words, “It is better for you that I go, for if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you” (John 16:7).
For our daily lives, the Ascension calls us to lift our hearts to heaven while living faithfully on earth. We are reminded that our true home is not here but with God. Christ’s Ascension gives meaning to every act of love, every struggle, every moment of faith — because all these are part of our journey toward the life He has prepared for us. The angels said to the disciples, “This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way” (Acts 1:11). That promise fills our hope and gives courage to live for Him now.
May the mystery of the Ascension remind us that Christ has not gone far away, but has gone ahead — so that heaven might already begin within our hearts.
— Fr. John Matthew, for Christian Way
