The Ascension of the Lord can seem, at first glance, like a goodbye moment. The disciples stand on the mountain, watching Jesus disappear into the clouds, with their hearts full of wonder and uncertainty. Anyone who has stood at an airport, waved goodbye after a family visit, or watched a child leave home knows that strange mixture of sadness and hope. Love always feels the ache of separation.

Perhaps the disciples wondered: “Lord, what happens now?” It is good to know that the Ascension does not mean that Jesus is abandoning the world. It is about Jesus remaining with us in a deeper and more powerful way. As He promises: “I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

The angels almost gently teased the apostles: “Why do you stand looking up toward heaven?” (Acts 1:11). In other words: “Do not remain frozen in fear or nostalgia. Go and live the Gospel.” Jesus entrusts His mission to ordinary people, weak, imperfect disciples, much like us. They still had doubts, fears, and questions. Yet Christ trusted them anyway. That is comforting for every parent trying to raise children in faith, every weary volunteer, every Christian wondering whether their small acts of love really matter.

The Ascension reveals something beautiful about our destiny. Jesus ascends with His glorified humanity. And as Saint Paul says, may “the eyes of your hearts be enlightened” (Ephesians 1:18). Christianity is not simply about surviving life; it is about being drawn into the very life of God.

And Jesus does not leave us empty-handed. Saint Leo the Great wrote: “What was visible in Christ has passed into the sacraments.” The ascended Lord remains close in His Word, in His Church, in the poor, and most profoundly in the Holy Eucharist.

At every Mass, heaven touches earth. The risen and ascended Jesus comes to feed His people with His Body and Blood. We do not merely look up toward heaven; heaven comes down to us. Nourished by His presence, we are sent forth with joy to become witnesses of His love in the world.

Your Priest,

Father Charles Enyinnia