The Light of the Ascension (Feast of the Ascension)

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➕ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, One God, Amen.

Family of God the Most High, children of the covenant of Our Lady the Holy Virgin Mary, friends of the righteous, the martyrs, and the holy angels, how have you been wherever you are? How have you stayed? Wishing you a peaceful and healthy Feast of the Light of the Ascension!!!


The Mystery of the Ascension: The Heavenly Exaltation of Human Nature

The Ascension is the seal of Christ’s saving work. Our Lord, having been revealed in the flesh, separated by death, victorious in the resurrection, returned to His former glory on the fortieth day. This journey opened the heavenly door for human nature.

1. The Mystery of Descending and Ascending

He is said to have “ascended” because He “descended.” His descent refers to His uniting with flesh from the Virgin Mary without diminishing His divine nature; His ascent refers to Him taking that glorified flesh and sitting at the right hand of His Father. This ascension of the Word and the flesh exalted human nature.

2. The Forty-Day Stay (Why?)

  • Confirmation of the Resurrection: So that the disciples could witness His physical resurrection and testify to it.
  • Church Order: This was the time when teachings regarding the priesthood and the sacraments (Baptism/Holy Communion) were given.
  • Substitute for Adam: By staying on earth for forty days, Christ sanctified human nature, substituting for the forty days Adam did not live in Paradise (according to Church tradition).
  • The Promise of the Holy Spirit: To transform the disciples from fear into courage.

3. The Difference from the Ascension of Enoch and Elijah

Enoch and Elijah were taken up by another power (by a chariot/by being caught up) and taken to the dwelling place of creatures (the Land of the Living – Behere Hiyawan). Christ, however, ascended by His own inherent authority, without needing a supporter, to the right hand of His Father, far above all creation.

4. The Blessing of the Mount of Olives

The fact that our Lord ascended while “blessing them” shows that His blessing is an eternal grace that will remain on earth. The cloud receiving Him reveals His divine glory; it was not a vehicle carrying Him.

Conclusion

The Ascension is the culmination of salvation where human nature was appointed at the right hand of God, Satan was defeated, and heaven and earth were reconciled. It is the day our Lord gave us the promise that just as He ascended into heaven, He will return in majesty.

“Arge besibhat wiste semayat, wenebere beyemane abuhu” (He ascended in glory into heaven, and sat at the right hand of His Father)

Glory be to God.

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