Jesus said to his disciples: “Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold I am sending the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”
Then he led them out as far as Bethany, raised his hands, and blessed them. As he blessed them, he parted from them and was taken up to heaven.
They did him homage and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and they were continually in the temple praising God.
Gospel Trivia:
It is not possible to determine exactly what happened during Ascension day. Luke describes Jesus as being "taken up to heaven." Mark, in his version, adds that Jesus "took his seat at the right hand of God." Matthew and John do not have an account of the ascension. There is also no mention of "clouds" during the ascension event in the gospel accounts; "clouds" is mentioned only in the Acts, which is also written by Luke.
These would suggest that the significance of the Ascension lies not only on what ACTUALLY happened, but the intended meaning of WHATEVER actually happened.
The Ascension refers to the "LIFTING UP" of Jesus, and these words are used to refer to his:
- Crucifixion - Jesus' supreme sacrifice for the Father,
- Resurrection - his justification and glorification by the Father,
- Ascension - his return to the Father.
Secondly, we should note that Jesus' return to heaven should be taken in the context of heaven NOT as place, but as a "condition of being with the Lord" (Catechism for Filipino Catholics, 2068) or as the beatific vision, i.e. a vision of ultimate happiness (CFC, 2069). More on the Catholic and Scriptural meaning of heaven here.
The Ascension marks the transition from the presence of Jesus in his Resurrected and glorified body to his pervasive and effective presence in the Holy Spirit. This is the Spirit, as the gospel says, which brings "great joy."
Reference:
Catechism for Filipino Catholics (CFC)
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