Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord
The Ascension is one of the most beautiful and glorious celebrations of the liturgical year, and was a moment of deeply profound transition in the life of the Early Church. It is important to recognize that the Ascension is not only about the glory of the Lord, but also the invitation that has been extended to each of us as well.
Aside from the marvelous wonder that they evoke in us, the miracles and signs that Jesus works always contain additional layers of knowledge and wisdom. In the case of the Ascension, we most obviously see the fulfillment of Jesus’ ascent to glory at the right hand of the Father in Heaven. But we must also keep in mind the deep significance of the fact that Christ first took on human flesh and became fully human in all things but sin.
Jesus’ victory is not only a victory for Him, but for us as well. Though fully God, He was simultaneously fully human. Through his Resurrection and Ascension, Christ has risen to a new type of life in his glorified Body and returned to place of indescribable joy and glory with the Father in Heaven. Like the Apostles in today’s readings, we should rejoice and marvel not only at the wonders that God has worked for us in this earthly life, but at the infinitude of goodness and glory that He has prepared for us in the next.