On this Solemnity, we remember how Jesus’ relationship with his apostles was necessarily transformed by his Ascension into heaven. Before the Passion, Jesus reminded his apostles: “Whoever believes in me, as scripture says: ‘Rivers of living water will flow from within him. ’ He said this in reference to the Spirit that those who came to believe in him were to receive. There was, of course, no Spirit yet, because Jesus had not yet been glorified” (John 7:38–39). This doesn’t mean the Holy Spirit didn’t exist before the Ascension, but rather that the Spirit had not yet been poured out upon the disciples in the new and promised way.
Later, Jesus says, “But now I am going to the one who sent me, and not one of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts. But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:5–7). If Jesus had not died, we would never know his power over death. If he had not ascended, the apostles would never have received the Holy Spirit.
In today’s Gospel, he commissions the disciples so that the “repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47). He entrusted that mission to them — and he entrusts it to us today. We are witnesses not merely of a story, but of a living Lord who still works through his Church. The Ascension is not the end, but the beginning of the Church’s Spirit-empowered mission.
Today, let’s recommit ourselves to being joyful witnesses of the risen and reigning Christ — right here, right now. Lord Jesus, ascended in glory, help us to live your Gospel with boldness and joy. Amen.
