What is the significance of the Ascension?
Catechism Meditation:
As Lord, Christ is also the head of the Church, which is his Body. Taken up to heaven and glorified after he had thus fully accomplished his mission, Christ dwells on earth in his Church. ―No. 669
REFLECTION. The Ascension affirms the divine nature and authority of Jesus Christ. By ascending to heaven, Jesus is exalted to the right hand of God, a position of power and honor. This is articulated in Ephesians 1:20-21, which states that God “raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion.” The Ascension underscores the belief.
In his book, The Life of Christ, Archbishop Fulton Sheen wrote… “Had Christ remained on earth, sight would have taken the place of faith. In heaven, there will be no faith because His followers will see; there will be no hope, because they will possess; but there will be love for love endureth forever! His leave-taking of the earth combined the Cross and the Crown that governed the smallest detail of His life. The Ascension took place on Mount Olivet at the base of which is Bethany. He led His Apostles out through Bethany, which meant passing through Gethsemane and the very spot where He wept over Jerusalem! Not as from a throne, but from a mountain elevated above the garden with the twisted olive trees crimsoned with His Blood, did He give the final manifestation of His Divine power. His heart was not embittered by His Cross, for the Ascension was the fruit of His Crucifixion. As He said, it was fitting that He suffer in order to enter into His glory.”
PRAYER. Christ, may we who are your Body and your Church always remain close to You, our head.
Timeless Wisdom Quote:
“A Coronation upon the earth, instead of an Ascension into heaven, would have confined men’s thoughts of Him to the earth. But the Ascension would cause men’s minds and hearts to ascend above the earth.” ― Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen