The Ascension of Our Lord: A Mystery of Glory, Mission, and Hope

31st May, 2025

Tomorrow, the universal Catholic Church celebrates the glorious feast of the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ. This extraordinary event marks not an ending, but a new beginning—the inauguration of Christ's eternal reign and our participation in His divine mission. As we journey through the Jubilee Year 2025 as "Pilgrims of Hope", the Ascension illuminates our path with the promise of our ultimate destination and the assurance of Christ's abiding presence through the Holy Spirit.

1. The Historical Reality of the Ascension: Divine Victory Over Death and Time

The Ascension is a concrete historical event, witnessed by the apostles forty days after the Resurrection. The forty-day period between the Resurrection and Ascension was crucial for the apostles' formation, as Christ “gave many convincing proofs that he was alive” (Acts 1:3). This was not merely a physical departure but a transformation of Christ’s presence from localised to universal. “Christ’s body was glorified at the moment of his Resurrection,” and the Ascension marks “the irreversible entry of his humanity into divine glory” (CCC 659). This divine victory over death and time assures us of Christ’s triumph and perpetual dominion.

2. Christ’s Exaltation: The Glorification of Human Nature

The Ascension represents the ultimate exaltation of human nature, as our Lord takes His place “at the right hand of the Father” (Eph 1:20). This mystery reveals that humanity, in Christ, has been elevated to share in divine glory. This exaltation is not merely personal to Christ but representative of all humanity’s destiny. The Ascension completes the Paschal Mystery—through His death, Resurrection, and Ascension, Christ has opened the way to eternal life for all humanity.

3. The Great Commission: Mission to the World—Universal Evangelisation

Before His Ascension, Christ entrusted His disciples with the Great Commission: “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Mt 28:19). This mandate transformed the apostles into bold missionaries of the Gospel. “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mk 16:15). The universality of this mission reflects God’s desire for the salvation of all humanity. Vatican II’s Ad Gentes emphasises that missionary activity flows directly from Christ’s command and remains “the greatest and holiest duty of the Church”. This commission is an ongoing call for every believer to participate in spreading the Good News.

4. The Promise of the Holy Spirit: Divine Empowerment for Mission

Christ’s promise of the Holy Spirit bridges His physical departure and spiritual presence. “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you” (Acts 1:8). This verse transforms fear into courage and silence into proclamation. The Spirit becomes Christ’s continued presence in the world, enabling believers to participate in His mission. “The Spirit will guide you into all the truth” (Jn 16:13). Through the Spirit, Christ remains actively present in the Church’s sacraments, particularly the Eucharist, empowering us to carry out evangelisation.

5. Source of Christian Hope: Assurance of Eternal Life

The Ascension provides the ultimate foundation for Christian hope. Christ’s words, “Where I am going, you also may be” (Jn 14:3), assure believers of their eternal destiny. 1 Thess 4:17 speaks of believers being “caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” The Ascension prefigures our own glorification and redirects our ultimate aspirations. In a secular age, it reminds us that human existence transcends material limitations and points toward eternal fulfilment.

6. Foundation of the Church: Establishment of the Mystical Body

The Ascension marks the formal establishment of the Church as Christ’s Mystical Body on earth. The period between Ascension and Pentecost represents the Church’s gestation before its public birth. The Church is “the universal sacrament of salvation” (Lumen Gentium), continuing Christ’s mission after His Ascension. Through the sacraments, especially Baptism and the Eucharist, believers participate in Christ’s ascended life. The apostolic succession, rooted in Christ’s commission to the Twelve, ensures the Church’s continuity with the community that witnessed the Ascension.

7. Jubilee Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope—A Contemporary Spiritual Journey

This Jubilee Year calls us to be “Pilgrims of Hope”, walking in the light of Christ’s Ascension toward our heavenly homeland. Hebrews 11:13–16 describes the faithful as “foreigners and strangers on earth” seeking “a better country—a heavenly one”. As pilgrims of hope, we are called to transform society through works of mercy, justice, and peace. The Jubilee invites us to deepen our spiritual journey through prayer, penance, and pilgrimage, uniting us more closely with our ascended Lord and preparing us for His return.

Ultimately, the Ascension of our Lord is not the story of Christ’s departure but the beginning of His universal presence through the Holy Spirit and His Mystical Body, the Church. As we celebrate this Jubilee Year 2025, may we be authentic “Pilgrims of Hope”, carrying the light of the Ascension to a world in need of Christ’s love and truth. Let us, like the apostles, gaze not with nostalgia at the clouds where Christ disappeared, but with expectant faith toward the mission He has entrusted to us—until He comes again in glory.

Questions for Reflection:

Personal Spirituality: How does the reality of Christ’s Ascension shape my daily priorities and ultimate life goals, especially as I journey as a pilgrim of hope in this Jubilee Year?

Missionary Discipleship: In what concrete ways can I participate in Christ’s Great Commission within my family, workplace, and community?

Eschatological Living: How can I live more fully with the awareness that my true citizenship is in heaven while actively engaging in building God’s kingdom on earth?

By Fr. Valerian Lobo 

Diocese of Jamshedpur