The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “Jesus’ final apparition ends with the irreversible entry of his humanity into divine glory, symbolized by the cloud and by heaven, where he is seated from that time forward at God’s right hand” (No. 659).

Do you wonder what would have happened had he not ascended? Would we all be sitting by idly waiting in a lifelong line to get to shake his hand? And would we all be looking for him to fix everything asap?

One, Jesus forever sits at the right hand of God to intercede for us! This should not be lost, that he did not ascend to leave us alone, but to ever intercede before the throne of the Father! Sometimes our images of heaven can be very entertaining (no, heaven is not as pictured in the Simpsons)! But to know that the Lord is obtaining grace up grace for us should be a consolation!

Two, Jesus left so that he could send us the Spirit. His ascension has ushered in the age of sacrament and of the church. You need not go on pilgrimage to Jerusalem and wait in a forever line to see him. We just gave him to hundreds of seven year olds in First Communion! And His Spirit was just given to more than a hundred and eighty teens! His work on earth is not complete, but has moved into a mode where he has asked us to bear witness and make disciples.

My first pastor, when I was ordained, was Fr. Robert Avella. He was so good as a pastor to a new priest. He assigned me tasks and areas of responsibility, but had my back with the authority needed! When Our Lord gives us a task, like making disciples of all nations, he gives us the grace, and spiritual power to do so!

I think that is one reason for the ascension: so we wouldn’t sit around watching, and would roll up our sleeves! His authority and power are not lessened by delegation. What a privilege to be disciples and witnesses to the ends of the earth.

Be what you are!

pax et bonum.

Father John Mosimann