Bottom line: Today we see the meaning of the Ascension. Jesus first descended in order to lift us up with him. And he does so by sending the Spirit.

Today we celebrate Jesus' ascension. In our second reading St. Paul writes about the meaning of the Ascension:

"What does 'he ascended' mean except that he also descended into the lower regions of the earth?"

To depict this descent, C.S. Lewis imagines a diver on a cliff. The young man gazes at the sea below. He sheds his clothes, takes a profound breathe and plunges into the water. Deeper and deeper he goes until he becomes enfolded in darkness. Finally he reaches the muddy bottom. Feeling through the mud, he grasps something in his hand and begins to ascend. With mud and seaweed clinging to him, he bursts through the surface. Opening his hand he shows the precious pearl he was seeking.

Jesus descended to the lowest regions so he could ascend to heaven, taking us with him. St. Mark - as is typical for his Gospel - describes Jesus' Ascension in simple, concise words.

"So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them,
was taken up into heaven
and took his seat at the right hand of God."

Behind these words is a mystery that Christians would explore for centuries. St. Luke puts the Ascension into broader context.

"In the first book, Theophilus,
I dealt with all that Jesus did and taught
until the day he was taken up,
after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit
to the apostles whom he had chosen."

Scholars tell us that the phrase "all that Jesus did and taught" can more accurately be translated "began to do and teach". In the Acts of the Apostles we see Jesus acting and teaching through his disciples. How does he do this? We'll see a fuller answer next Sunday when we celebrate Pentecost. Jesus gives us a preview:

"But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you." (John 16:7)

The Ascension and Pentecost are intimately joined. Today we see the meaning of the Ascension. Jesus first descended in order to lift us up with him. And he does so by sending the Spirit. I invite you this week to say this simple prayer: Come, Holy Spirit. Amen.

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