Sunday, June 1, is the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord (Boston; Hartford, Connecticut; New York; Newark, New Jersey; Philadelphia; and the state of Nebraska’s dioceses celebrate Ascension Thursday three days earlier). Mass readings: Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9; Ephesians 1:17-23 or Hebrews 9:24-28; 10:19-23; Luke 24:46-53.

Let’s consider some of the glorious truths about the Ascension.

The Reality

The first reading text from Acts says:

... As they were looking on, Jesus was lifted up and a cloud took him from their sight. ... They were looking intently in the sky as he was going.

Consider the glory of this vision and why the apostles could not takes their eyes off the sky above.

The Rescue

Jesus did not ascend alone. He led a host of former captives from Sheol into heaven.

Scripture says:

Therefore it is said, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is he who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things. (Ephesians 4:8).

Speaking of the preparation for this ascension, Peter also affirms:

For this is why the gospel was preached even to the dead, that though judged in the flesh like men, they might live in the spirit like God (1 Peter 4:6).

Just think of some of the biblical figures in that procession: Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac Jacob, Rachel, Judith, Deborah, David, Samuel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Malachi, John the Baptist, and countless others known to God. What a glorious procession accompanied also by myriads of angels!

The Rejoicing

Consider a biblical description of what they sang and how they exulted as Jesus ascended with them to heaven:

God mounts his throne to shouts of joy! The Lord amid trumpet blasts. All you peoples clap your hands; shout to God with cries of gladness, for the Lord, the Most High, is awesome and is the great king over all the earth. God reigns over the nations; God sits upon his holy throne (Psalm 47).

The angels too rejoice as the lower ranking angels accompany Jesus and the redeemed, and they call to the higher-ranking angels in heaven inside the gates of heaven:

Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. (Psalm 24:7)

The Result

The gates of paradise are once again open, and man returns to God. Jesus has not merely restored us to earthly garden paradise; he has opened the very gates of heaven. Jesus gives us a heavenly home:

In my Father's house are many mansions: If it were not so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also (John 14:2).

Yes, if we are faithful, the Lord has a dwelling place for us in heaven. Consider then, that they Lord, in heaven, is actively blessing us and preparing a place for us.

Rejoice, then, in the glorious ascension of the Lord!