*Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1: 17-23 and Matt. 28:16-20)*
The Ascension of Jesus is the physical departure of Christ from Earth into Heaven. According to the New Testament the Ascension occurred forty days after the resurrection. In Christian theology, the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus are the most important events and foundations of the Christian faith.
The ascension signaled the end of Christ earthly ministry. This gives us a definitive understanding that our business here on earth has an end. The ascension signified success in His earthly work. All that He had come to do, He had accomplished and at the end he ascended. According to the second reading if we live life worthy of our calling we shall end well. May we end well at the end of our sojourn here on earth. May we not descend into the bottomless pit but ascend into paradise.
The ascension symbolized His exaltation by the Father the One with whom the Father is well pleased (Matt.17:5) , he was received up in honor and was given a name above all names (Phil. 2:9). He implied his ascension when he spoke about preparing a place for us (John 14:2). It also indicated the beginning of His new work as High Priest (Heb. 4:14-16) and Mediator of the New Covenant (Heb 9:15). Thus, it was the beginning of our work here on earth and so he told the disciples in the gospel, “Go therefore, and make disciples of all nation…”. Beloved, let us not neglect our duty for anything less or something else.
The ascension sets the pattern for His return. When Jesus comes to set up the Kingdom, He will return just as He left-literally, bodily, and visibly in the clouds (Acts 1:11; Daniel 7:13-14; Rev.1:7). The Lord Jesus is in heaven. The Scriptures frequently picture Him at the right hand of the Father-a position of honor and authority. Beloved, Jesus has all authority let us subject our souls to his government.
*LET US PRAY*
*Gladden us with holy joys, almighty God, and make us rejoice with devout thanksgiving, for the Ascension of Christ your Son is our exaltation, and, where the Head has gone before in glory, the Body is called to follow in hope. Amen!*
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
