Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter

THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD

"You will see me." (John 16:16)

What a promise! Jesus was going away, but he promised that he would come back, and the apostles would see him once more. These words brought them a great measure of comfort. And yes, they did see Jesus again—on Easter Sunday, when he appeared to them in the upper room. But the "seeing" Jesus was speaking of here meant more than just encountering him again with their physical eyes. Jesus was also talking about the way that the Holy Spirit would help them sense Jesus’ presence and his guidance even after he ascended and was no longer visible.

The feast of the Ascension of the Lord is celebrated today, the fortieth day after Easter Sunday, commemorating the Ascension of Christ into Heaven and His completion of the work of our redemption. The liturgy on this day celebrates the entry of Christ into heaven with our human nature glorified, and the pledge of our glorification with Him. In the past, processions outside the church were held on this day to imitate Christ's leading the Apostles out of the city to the Mount of Olives, and to commemorate the entry of Christ into heaven.