The Ascension as a Source of Strength

The ascension further means that in returning to God, the Risen One takes along the fullness of human life experienced by Jesus, including the worst of earthly agony. Christians have no good reason for doubting that God understands in the most personal possible way our human struggle, sorrows, and defeats. The God who came into our midst as a baby and dwelt among us experienced all things, even to the most severe forms of oppression and suffering; that experience was not a transitory episode to be forgotten by God after thirty years. No, that experience is carried into heaven, that we may know the Most High identifies always even with the least and the lowest. That is the import of what is otherwise to us the strange language of the Letter to the Hebrews: For it is clear that [Jesus] did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested. (2:16-18) Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession [of ffaith]. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (4:14-16) When celebrated in its fullness, the ascension is a source of great strength to all who suffer. —Laurence Hill Stookey, Calendar: Christ’s Time for the Church, 70-71