SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS INTO THE LIFE OF SAINT IGNATIUS OF LACONI
May 11, 2026
FEAST OF SAINT PANCRAS OF ROME, MARTYR – 12th MAY
May 12, 2026
The Ascension of Jesus Christ is one of the most significant yet often overlooked events in Christianity. Celebrated on the feast of the Ascension of Jesus, it marks the moment when Jesus, after His resurrection, was taken up into heaven in the presence of His disciples. This event is not just a conclusion to His earthly ministry but a powerful beginning for believers, symbolizing hope, purpose, and the promise of eternal life.
1. The Event of the Ascension:
“He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight”
— Acts 1:9
After spending forty days with His disciples post-resurrection, Jesus physically ascended into heaven. This visible departure confirmed His divine nature and completed His earthly mission.
2. Fulfillment of God’s Plan:
The Ascension was not sudden but part of God’s plan. Jesus had already told His disciples:
“I am going to the Father”
— John 14:12
It fulfilled prophecies and showed that His mission on earth teaching, sacrifice, and resurrection was complete. It also marked His return to divine glory.
3. A Promise of the Holy Spirit:
Before ascending, Jesus gave a promise:
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you”
— Acts 1:8
His departure made way for the coming of the Holy Spirit, who would guide, strengthen, and empower believers. This shows that Jesus’ presence continues spiritually even after His physical departure.
4. Jesus as Our Advocate:
The Ascension means that Jesus is now with God, interceding for us.As written:
“Christ Jesus… is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us”
— Romans 8:34
This assures believers that they are never alone, as Jesus continually speaks on their behalf.
5. A Call to Mission:
Before ascending, Jesus gave His disciples a mission:
“Go and make disciples of all nations”
— Matthew 28:19
The Ascension shifts the responsibility of spreading His message to His followers. It reminds believers that faith is not passive but meant to be shared.
6. The Promise of His Return:
As Jesus ascended, angels declared:
“This same Jesus… will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven”
— Acts 1:11
This gives believers hope and assurance that His departure is not permanent. The Ascension points forward to His second coming.
The Ascension of Jesus Christ is more than a historical event; it is a message of hope, purpose, and promise. It reminds us that while Jesus is no longer physically present, He continues to guide, protect, and intercede for us. It calls believers to live with faith, share His message, and look forward to His return. From earth to heaven, the Ascension shows that our journey, too, is leading toward something greater eternal life with God.
