AN AIRPORT IS A fascinating place to observe human behavior as we wait for our flights. Most of us have experienced the bittersweet moment of saying goodbye to loved ones as they depart from our company. Conversely, reacquainting with those we hold dear after being separated from them fills us with exhilarating joy. Despite modern technology’s attempts to keep us connected, nothing replaces the personal presence of those we love.
Imagine the apostles’ emotions as Jesus took His leave from them on the Mount of Olives, as a cloud hid Him from their sight. They remained gazing intently at the sky until mysterious messengers reminded them that Jesus would return, and they had a mission to embrace (cf. Acts. 1:9-12). Each liturgical year, 40 days after Easter, we celebrate the mystery of the Ascension of Our Lord. The Ascension is not simply about remembering Jesus’ departure from earth but is the celebration of the completion of Jesus’ mission to unite humanity with God. The Ascension is a mystery of the life of Christ that we enter into and receive hope and purpose.
In Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week, Pope Benedict XVI explains that through the Ascension, Jesus brings His human nature into divine glory, revealing our destiny of eternal communion with God.
He states, “The Ascension is the moment when heaven and earth are united in Christ, and our humanity is brought into the very life of God” (Benedict XVI, Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week, 2011). This act fulfills our redemption, as Jesus, in His glorified humanity, becomes our eternal high priest (cf. Heb. 7:25).
Benedict XVI notes that Jesus “always lives to make intercession for us,” offering His sacrifice before the Father for our salvation. Furthermore, Jesus’ departure makes way for the coming of the Holy Spirit, empowering the Church’s mission.
Benedict XVI describes the Ascension as “not an absence but a new form of presence,” with Jesus, unbound by time and space, universally present through the Spirit (Benedict XVI, Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week). The Spirit’s outpouring at Pentecost equipped the first disciples and continues to strengthen us today to spread the Gospel.
Unlike a loved one departing from an airport, Jesus does not leave us behind. He promises, “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Mt. 28:20). Just as the disciples went forth with joy and courage to proclaim the Gospel, we are reminded that we, too, are commissioned to spread the Good News because Jesus is with us. This assurance empowers us to participate in His mission by striving for holiness, frequent reception of the sacraments, acts of charity and trust in God’s grace.
The Eucharist, in particular, unites us with Christ’s sacrifice and presence, forming us as His witnesses. Acts of charity reflect the love of Christ and make Him present to others. Like the apostles, who proclaimed the Gospel with joy and courage, we are called to share the Good News through our words and actions. By embracing our mission, we live with hope, certain that Jesus, our eternal high priest, intercedes for us and remains present.
Although the Ascension of Our Lord into Heaven may seem like a departure, we are assured of His abiding presence. With confidence in His intercession, may we embrace our mission, proclaiming His Resurrection and Ascension, and trusting that He prepares a place for us in eternity.