Episode 2119: The Ascension: A Journey of Redemption and Glory

As we reflect on this pivotal event, we journey through the rich symbolism and spiritual truths encapsulated in these quotes from St. Augustine, A.G. Sertillanges, and the Book of 1 Chronicles. Join us as we explore how the Ascension of Christ illuminates the interconnectedness of suffering, death, and heavenly glory.
"Today our Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven; let our hearts ascend with him." — St. Augustine
St. Augustine's Reflection:
St. Augustine beautifully reminds us that as Christ ascends into heaven, our hearts are called to ascend with Him. The Ascension marks the culmination of Christ's earthly mission and signifies His victory over sin and death. Our spiritual journey must mirror this ascent—rising above earthly concerns to embrace heavenly virtues and truths. Through the Ascension, Christ opens the way for humanity to share in His divine glory, urging us to elevate our hearts and minds towards eternal things.

A.G. Sertillanges' Symbolic Beauty:
‘There is a symbolic beauty in the circumstance that the tomb of Jesus was only a few paces from His Cross. Suffering and death are but two aspects of the same thing; the one lays us low, and the other completes the work of destruction. Yet through Jesus they both raise us up, and our joint ascension presents the three stages of the Cross, the tomb, and Heaven’. - A.G. Sertillanges
The proximity of Jesus' tomb to the Cross holds profound symbolic significance. Suffering and death, epitomized by the Cross and the tomb, represent the transformative stages of Christ's redemptive work. The Cross lays bare the reality of human suffering and sin, while the tomb signifies the finality of death. However, through Christ's resurrection and Ascension, suffering and death are transcended, leading to our spiritual elevation. This journey from the Cross to the tomb to Heaven encapsulates the mystery of redemption the path of dying to self and rising in Christ.
1 Chronicles' Praise and Adoration:
"Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty; for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from thee, and thou rulest over all. In thy hand are power and might; and in thy hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank thee, our God, and praise thy glorious name." — 1 Chronicles 29:11-13
The passage from 1 Chronicles extols the greatness, power, and majesty of God. It acknowledges God's sovereignty over all creation, declaring that every good thing comes from Him. This verse echoes the sentiments of gratitude and praise for the divine plan of redemption fulfilled in Christ's Ascension. In Christ's exaltation, we find hope and strength, recognizing that all glory belongs to God alone.
Conclusion:
The Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ invites us into a deeper understanding of the Christian journey—a journey marked by suffering, redemption, and heavenly glory. Through St. Augustine's call to ascend with Christ, A.G. Sertillanges' reflections on the transformative power of suffering and death, and the scriptural praise from 1 Chronicles, we glimpse the profound mystery of Christ's victory and our participation in His divine life. May our hearts continually ascend with Christ, embracing the Cross, finding hope in the tomb, and ultimately rejoicing in the glory of His heavenly kingdom. As we conclude, let us echo the words of St. Augustine: "Today our Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven; let our hearts ascend with him." Thank you for joining us on this insightful journey into the depths of the Ascension. Until next time, may God's grace and peace be with you.