In
the first reading Luke says that having seen the risen Jesus over forty days,
the disciples saw him ascend. We might ask three questions: “Where was Jesus
during the forty days when he was not with his disciples?” “Where is he now?”
and “Why did he go away?”
John’s
gospel tells us that on Easter Sunday morning Jesus said to Mary Magdalene, “I
have not yet ascended to my Father.” Jesus had risen from the tomb but had not
yet left this world. There is a tradition that he was with his mother. But his
departure was urgent. Today’s gospel from Luke says that on Easter Sunday
evening Jesus ate with his disciples, told them they would be his witnesses and
was then carried up to heaven. During the forty days, therefore, Jesus was
already in heaven from where he returned repeatedly. The Ascension then
confirmed the status that Jesus already had.
Luke
speaks of Jesus entering heaven, and Jesus himself spoke of going to prepare a
place for us. Why did Jesus have to depart? Jesus does not belong to this
world. He belongs with his Father. That is our goal too. We were not made for
this world. We are “resident aliens”. Immortality is the destiny of fully
developed human life when we follow Jesus through the grave to eternity. Jesus
promises us that where he is, we too can follow.
At
the Last Supper Jesus said he had to depart for the Holy Spirit to come. His
departure did not, as it were, “leave space” for the Spirit. Rather, Jesus’
going to glory means that the Spirit can guide us in a way proper to pilgrims
living by faith and hope in an unseen leader.
So,
it is for our greater glory that Jesus departed. The Holy Spirit makes us His
witnesses. The Historical presence of Jesus was limited by place and time. Now
his presence with his disciples becomes universal: in word, in sacrament, and
particularly in the Eucharist.
By dying on the cross Jesus brought God’s mercy to a needy world. Now, it is Jesus, who lives, dies and rises again to the Father in each of his disciples. It is Jesus who continues to teach, forgive, heal, and gather disciples into a family of love and service. Such disciples reflect Gods mercy and love as Jesus did. These are the promises’ and privilege that we celebrate today.