I have always looked at the Ascension of the Lord with a tinge of sadness. The Lord lived with us for 33 years–breathing Earth’s air, walking on Earth’s dirt, and seeing God’s Creation. After He endured His Passion and Death, He resurrected and remained for an additional forty days. Then, He left us and ascended to His heavenly throne. You can’t help but to feel partly abandoned–we are left behind to walk our pilgrimage alone. But are we really alone?
Oh no, we are not alone–we are accompanied by those special people the Lord puts unto our path. These special companions: our parents, siblings, friends, teachers, pastors, mentors, and strangers that we encounter in our daily lives. Each one of these companions walk a certain distance with us and then we separate. Again, we walk alone for a short distance until we meet our next companion.
However, there is one companion who is with us from beginning to end–Our Lord. He is with us as we take each step on our pilgrimage to our return to Almighty God, our Creator.
The Gospel tells us:
Then he led them out as far as Bethany,
raised his hands, and blessed them.
As he blessed them he parted from them
and was taken up to heaven. Lk 24:50
The Lord’s last earthly act was to raise His hand and bless His apostles. Jesus ascended into Heaven after He blessed us. What a perfect act of love and compassion.
Featured Image: Rembrandt. (1636) The Ascension Of Christ [oil on canvas]. Private collection.