“The Lord goes up with trumpet blast”
It is easy to think of Jesus in only His earthly 'dress': Jesus walking on the roads of Judaea, Jesus in a fishing boat on the sea of Galilee, Jesus sharing a meal in the home of friends.These pictures are holy and wholesome and they reassure us that God was indeed with us and like us. However, we must never forget where He comes from nor what His true nature is. The Feast of the Ascension reminds us that Jesus belongs in glory, in the full splendour of heaven, as befits the Son of God. He is, says St Paul in the Second Reading, so great that He is “far above every Sovereignty, Authority, Power and Domination.”
For forty days after His Resurrection Christ's glory was veiled under the appearance of ordinary humanity.Then, He “withdrew from His disciples and was carried up to heaven.” (Lk 24:51) where He is “seated at the right hand of God.” (Mk 16:19) Christ's Ascension demands a mature faith, one that “stretches upward to Him in His divine reality.” Otherwise we would all be like Mary of Magdala and cling to the tangible body of the Risen Lord. St Leo the Great says that in the future His disciples will possess Him, “ not by physical handling but by spiritual discernment, most particularly through the sacraments”
Before Jesus was lifted up he made three things clear. First, it is to the disciples' advantage that He leave so He can send the Holy Spirit as their Advocate and Comforter. Second, they must go out – make disciples – baptize – teach. Third, He will never leave them. As we go out from Mass to preach by way of holy lives let us remember the words of that parting promise: “Know that I am with you always; yes, even to the end of time.”
— GM