The Ascension of Jesus is one of the most profound and hopeful mysteries of our faith. It marks the moment when Christ returned to the Father in Heaven after His Resurrection.
For many, the Ascension can feel distant or difficult to understand. When we enter more deeply into its meaning, we discover a powerful truth: where Christ has gone, we are called to follow.
What Is the Ascension of Jesus?
The Ascension of Jesus refers to the moment when, forty days after His Resurrection, Jesus was taken up into Heaven in His glorified body. This event marks the completion of His earthly mission and the beginning of His reign in glory at the right hand of the Father.
Far from being simply a “departure,” the Ascension reveals that Christ opens the way for humanity to share in divine life. He does not abandon His people; He goes before us.
The Biblical Account of the Ascension
Scripture gives us a clear and beautiful account of this moment. In the Acts of the Apostles, we read:
“When he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight.
While they were looking intently at the sky as he was going, suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them.
They said, ‘Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into Heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into Heaven.’” — Acts of the Apostles 1:9–11
Jesus leads His disciples to the Mount of Olives, blesses them, and is lifted up before their eyes. The cloud signifies the presence of God, recalling the glory that accompanied Israel throughout salvation history.
As we know, this moment is not the end of the story, but a clear turning point. The disciples, once uncertain and afraid, are now sent forth with a mission.
Why Did Jesus Ascend into Heaven?
The Ascension is rich in meaning, revealing several essential truths of our faith.
1. Christ Reigns in Glory
Jesus ascends to sit at the right hand of the Father, a place of honor and authority. His victory over sin and death is complete, and His kingdom is established forever.
2. He Intercedes for Us
From Heaven, Christ continues His work as our High Priest. He intercedes for us, drawing us into communion with the Father.
3. He Opens Heaven to Humanity
Before Christ, Heaven was closed to humanity because of sin. Through His life, death, Resurrection, and Ascension, Jesus opens the gates of eternal life.
4. He Prepares a Place for Us
As Jesus says in the Gospel of John, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.” — John 14:3
The Ascension is a promise that our true home is with God.
The Ascension and the Mission of the Church
Before He ascends into Heaven, Jesus tells the apostles to remain in Jerusalem for the arrival of the Holy Spirit, now known as Pentecost. Pentecost, which occurs ten days after the Ascension and fifty days after the resurrection, is considered to be the birth of the Catholic Church. Ignited by the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus’ disciples embraced and proclaimed their Catholic faith.
The Ascension marks the beginning of the Church’s mission. Jesus entrusts His work to His followers, calling them to bring the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
For us, the Ascension is an invitation:
- To live not only for this world, but for Heaven
- To share Christ with others through our words and actions
- To trust that God is at work, even when we cannot see Him
The Ascension in the Life of the Church
The Church celebrates the Ascension of Jesus forty days after Easter. It is traditionally observed as a Holy Day of Obligation, reminding us of its importance in the life of faith.
This feast invites us to lift our hearts to Heaven while remaining faithful in our daily responsibilities. It calls us to live with both:
- Hope in eternal life, and
- Commitment to our mission here on earth
Finding Hope in the Ascension of Jesus
At first glance, the Ascension might seem like a moment of separation. The disciples watch Jesus disappear from their sight, and we might imagine their sadness.
But Scripture tells us something remarkable: they return to Jerusalem with great joy. Why?
Because they understand that Christ has not left them alone. Instead:
- He is closer than ever through His divine presence
- He has entrusted them with a mission
- He has shown them their ultimate destiny
The Ascension reminds us that our lives are not aimless. We are created for Heaven. In moments of uncertainty, suffering, or doubt, we can look to the Ascended Christ and remember:
Our hope is not confined to this world.
Living the Mystery of the Ascension Today
As sons and daughters of Christ, we are called to live the reality of the Ascension of Jesus each day.
We do this by:
- Seeking the things that are above, where Christ is
- Trusting in God’s plan, even when it is unseen
- Remaining faithful in prayer, the sacraments, and acts of charity
- Entrusting ourselves, like Mary, to God’s will
As Sons of Mary, the Oblates of the Virgin Mary are especially mindful that Mary always leads us to her Son. She teaches us how to remain faithful, even when the path ahead is unclear.
A Final Word of Hope
The Ascension of Jesus is a beginning.
It is the beginning of the Church’s mission. It is the beginning of a new way Christ is present to us. And it is the beginning of the path that leads each of us home.
May we lift our hearts to where Christ is, and with faith and love, follow where He has gone before us.
*This post was originally published on May 18, 2020. It has been updated for clarity and structure.
Ascension Thursday always has a special meaning for me. I was born on Ascension Thursday, so it is a special feast. But, more than that, it reminds me that heaven is my true home. and that no matter what happens during my time here on earth, Jesus is preparing a place for me with him.
I love the readings for this feast—Jesus not wanting to leave us orphaned—was it a tearful goodbye?—-Mary must have been there—how did she feel?—did Jesus go to each disciple with a special parting message?—also the fact that after Jesus went to his Father, the disciples, returning Jerusalem were full of joy!!
Jesus loves us so much that it was only after his ascension that his spirit could fill the whole earth—it is his spirit that remains so close to us as we hope for union with him in heaven.
On that day I will have open heart surgery but I know Jesus will be there with me I think it will be the best day to have it done God bless every one
I am so grateful for the mass on my computer. I will be watching at 11am on Thursday.That is the time of my weekly
adoration which I miss after being at St Clements every week for 11 years.