We too, if we are faithful, will one day ascend to joys unspeakable and glories untold.
Editor’s Note: Most archdioceses and dioceses within the United States celebrate Ascension Sunday, though the ecclesiastical provinces of Boston, Hartford, New York, Newark, Omaha and Philadelphia celebrate Ascension Thursday.
Mass readings: Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9; Ephesians 1:17-23; Matthew 28:16-20.
The readings describe a wondrous event that the apostles witnessed: The Lord, by his own power, ascends to heaven. In so doing, Jesus opens a path for us, too. In Christ, man returns to God.
Imagine the glory of this moment:
“As they were looking on, he was lifted up and a cloud took him from their sight … they were looking intently in the sky as he was going” (Acts 1:9).
So impressive was the sight that the angels had to beckon them to Jerusalem, as the Lord had said:
“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11).
Yes, it was glorious. As a summons to faith,
