The Ascension of Jesus into heaven acquaints us with this deeply consoling reality on our journey: in Christ, true God and true man, our humanity was taken to God. Christ opened the path to us. He is like a roped guide climbing a mountain who, on reaching the summit, pulls us up to Him and leads us to God. If we entrust our life to Him, if we let ourselves be guided by Him, we are certain to be in safe hands, in the hands of our Saviour, our Advocate.(Credits: Pope Francis) Biblical Account
Then they gathered around Him and asked Him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After He said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:6-11)
When He had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, He lifted up His hands and blessed them. While He was blessing them, He left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God. (Luke 24:50-53) After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was taken up into heaven and He sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed His word by the signs that accompanied it. (Mark 16:19-20)
Significance:
The Ascension is a pivotal event in Christian theology, marking the completion of Jesus’ earthly ministry and the beginning of His heavenly reign. It also symbolizes His triumph over death and sin and His promise to return.
In Christian doctrine, the Ascension is correlated with the deification of Jesus, meaning that through His Ascension, Jesus took His seat at the right hand of God: “He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.”
The Ascension provides hope for us Christians, as it signifies that we too can share in Jesus’ glory and eternal life in heaven. It also reminds us of Jesus’ continued presence with them through the Holy Spirit and His ongoing advocacy with the Father.
The Ascension also anticipates the future return of Jesus to Earth, a belief central to Christian eschatology.
Unique Event:
The Ascension is a unique event, as no one else has ascended into heaven in the same way. It signifies Jesus’ divine nature and his unique role as the Son of God and the Messiah
Key aspects of the mission following Jesus’ ascension:
- Discipleship: Jesus commanded His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations,” teaching them to observe His commands.
- Evangelism: Following His ascension, disciples were empowered to preach the gospel and share the message of salvation to all people.
- Witnessing: Disciples are called to be witnesses of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension, proclaiming the good news and living lives that reflect their faith.
- Intercession: Jesus now intercedes for believers in heaven, acting as their advocate and High Priest, while they await his return.
- Ongoing Work: The ascension marks the continuation of Jesus’ ministry, with his followers now carrying the torch and spreading His message across the world.
– Gladys Da Silva