When Jesus had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up towards heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. 11They said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up towards heaven? (Acts 1:9-10)
Last Thursday, we celebrated Ascension Day, and I’ve often wondered why we celebrate the risen Christ returning to the Father. It’s a bit of a sad scene, imagining the disciples watching their beloved Messiah leaving! I’ve also winced at the depiction in art of Christ’s feet dangling from a cloud!!!! But as I was reminded this week, the Ascension means we have Christ interceding on ALL of humanity’s behalf to God, not just the group who followed him most closely on earth. And in ascending, Christ – both human and divine - has also taken our humanity to the Father. There’s a part of us that is already with the Father and Jesus in heaven! And also the promise of the gift of the Holy Spirit and the presence of God dwelling within all of Christ’s followers here on earth. As the light of the world returns to God, and we cease lighting the pascal candle this Sunday, a light remains within us, and asks us to share the joy of this gift with others. Our ‘Elvis’ has not left the building, or us!
Thank you, Jesus, for bringing me this far.
In your light, I see the light of my life.
Your teaching is brief and to the point;
you persuade us to trust in God;
you command us to love one another.
You promise everything to those who obey your teaching;
you ask nothing too hard for a believer,
nothing a lover can refuse,
Your promises to your disciples are true,
nothing but the truth.
Even more, you promise us yourself,
the perfection of all that can be made perfect.
Nicholas of Cusa
