Ascension Day

Almighty God, whose blessed Son our Savior Jesus Christ ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things: Mercifully give us faith to perceive that, according to his promise, he abides with his Church on earth, even to the end of the ages; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. (Collect for Ascension Day, Book of Common Prayer, page 226)

So where exactly did he go?

Today the Church calendar commemorates Jesus' "ascension". The story is recorded in the first chapter of the Acts of the Apostles. For forty days following the resurrection, the followers of Jesus experienced his physical presence -- apparently not on a daily basis, but enough to understand that he had been raised from the dead. The accounts of these post-resurrection encounters vary considerably, but clearly by the time the stories were written down the early church considered them to be credible and truthful witness to the events of the days after Jesus' very public death. In the story of the Ascension, after Jesus offers some final words, he is "taken up" beyond the disciples' sight.

Gone.

Somewhere.

And yet...

The Church has maintained through the ages that when "two or three" are gathered in Jesus' Name, he is "in the midst of them". Portions of the Church (including my own) claim that Jesus is "present" in some mystical fashion when the Bread and Wine of the Eucharist is consecrated.

Jesus isn't here.

But he is present, nonetheless.

In the place of authority ("at the right hand of the Father" according to the Creed).

And simultaneously visible in the margins of our world -- in the faces of the poor, the oppressed, the weary, the hungry, the outcasts.

The Church awaits and prays for his return "in glory to judge the living and the dead";

Even as we experience his presence while we work for justice, freedom and peace.

Gone.

Yet present.

But why would it be any other way?

After all he said, "I am with you always...even to the age of the ages."