HIS ASCENSION IS NOT A DEPARTURE

Homily for the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, Year B

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

Biblical Texts: Acts 1:1-11; Ephesians 4:1-13; Mark 16:15-20

Today, forty days after the celebration of Easter, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ into heaven. This sacred occasion marks the end of Christ’s earthly ministry and his glorious ascent into heaven, where he now sits at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us. The Ascension of Jesus into heaven is a pivotal moment in the Christian faith and it holds profound significance for our understanding of God’s plan of salvation and our hope for the future.

Firstly, the Ascension reaffirms Jesus’ victory over sin and death. Through his death and resurrection, Christ conquered the powers of darkness and secured redemption for all who believe in him. His Ascension to heaven signifies his exaltation and reign in the right hand of the Father as King of kings and Lord of lords. In Christ’s Ascension, we find assurance that our ultimate destiny is not bound by the limitations of this world but is rooted in the eternal glory of God’s kingdom.

Secondly, when Jesus ascended into heaven, it signified his physical separation from his disciples. However, unlike other human physical separations that cause us pain and grief, the Ascension of Jesus offers us hope. First is the hope that we are not alone because he is going to send us the gift of the Holy Spirit. Before ascending to heaven, Jesus assured his disciples that he would send the Advocate, the Spirit of Truth, to be with them always (John 14:16). The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost fulfilled this promise, empowering the early Church to proclaim the Gospel boldly and to bear witness to Christ’s resurrection. As such, his Ascension is not a departure but a new presence. Second is the hope that he is going to prepare a place for us in heaven so that where he, the Head has gone in glory, there, we the body, are called in hope (John 14:1-3).

Thirdly, the Ascension reveals the mission and ministry of the Church. Before ascending into heaven, Jesus entrusted his disciples with the Great Commission, instructing them to proclaim the Gospel to all nations and make disciples of every people (Mark 16:15). As inheritors of this commission, we are called to continue the work of Christ, bearing witness to his love and grace in our words and deeds. The Ascension reminds us of our role as ambassadors of Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit to advance God’s kingdom on earth. The mission of Jesus must continue through us and in us.

Lastly, as we celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension, let us renew our commitment to follow Christ faithfully, to proclaim his Gospel boldly, and to await his glorious return with eager anticipation. May the reality of Christ’s Ascension inspire us to live with hope and confidence, knowing that he who ascended to heaven will one day come again in power and glory to reign forevermore.