“Almighty God, whose blessed Son our Savior Jesus Christ ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things: Mercifully give us faith to perceive that, according to his promise, he abides with his Church on earth, even to the end of the ages; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.”
-Collect for Ascension Day
Why do we celebrate Ascension Day? Jesus has left us. It seems like a send-off party for a friend that we annually relive without him. How is this good news?
I’ve been asked a number of hard questions about this principal feast day of the Christian year. Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost are never interrogated, but commemorating the day that Jesus “ascended far above all heavens” is confusing for many Christians.
I resonate with the perplexity. I recently left New York City to start a new job in Birmingham, AL. I’d lived there for eight years, and made some of my closest friends. The going away parties were moving and much appreciated, but also sad. While we’ve promised to stay in touch, we won’t be as present with one other as we were when I lived a few blocks away. What I know for sure, is that I wouldn’t want my pals to have to observe the anniversary of my leaving without me.
Why, then, do we celebrate the departure of Jesus every year? The answer is simple but counterintuitive: in leaving us he is actually more present to us. How? The Ascension is the end of Jesus’ self-limitation. While in space-time, he was available only to those in his vicinity. Having been “seated at the right hand of the Father,” he is, once again, omnipresent, which means he’s omni-available: always listening and interceding on our behalf.
The good news of the Ascension is that, unlike with friends in faraway states, Jesus is more present to us in heaven than he ever was to the disciples while on earth. This exalted King is the crucified Nazarene who “abides with his Church on earth” as it passes through this “vale of tears.” There will come a day when there will be no more “send-off parties,” we’ll see him face to face, and he’ll be as present to us “in the flesh” as he is in heaven. Until then, we celebrate ascension every time we pray.
Thank you for taking time to write "Notes from DeHart" Todays was especially needed on many levels. The explanation of Ascension Day of course being number one. But the peace that realizes why it is so important is very helpful. I Praise and Thank Jesus for all the work He did for us and now continues in His rightful Glory! Nancy an out of state subscriber!
Well done once again, Ben!!