The second glorious mystery, the Ascension of the Lord into heaven, is a central event in Christianity, marking Jesus' triumphant return to heaven after his Resurrection. This event, which takes place forty days after Easter, marks the glorification of Jesus and the beginning of his eternal reign at the right hand of the Father. By meditating on this mystery, we are invited to contemplate the majesty of the risen Christ and to renew our hope in eternal life.
According to the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles, Jesus appeared several times to his disciples after his Resurrection, preparing them for their mission as witnesses to the Gospel. Just before his Ascension, he led them to the Mount of Olives, near Bethany. There he gave them his final instructions and promised them the gift of the Holy Spirit: "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. Then you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). These words underline the universal mission of the disciples and the divine power that will accompany them.
After speaking, Jesus raises his hands to bless his disciples. As he blesses them, he is lifted into heaven before their eyes, and a cloud hides him from their view (Luke 24:50-51, Acts 1:9). This spectacular scene is imbued with majesty and mystery. The cloud, often a symbol of the divine presence in the Bible, indicates that Jesus is entering heavenly glory, joining the Father and taking his place at his right hand.
The disciples, their eyes fixed on heaven, are suddenly joined by two men in white garments, angels, who say to them, "Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking up to heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from among you into heaven, will come again just as you saw him ascend into heaven" (Acts 1:10-11). These words recall the promise of Jesus' glorious return at the end of time, a hope that sustains the Christian faith.
Jesus' Ascension marks the end of his visible presence on earth, but it is not a definitive departure. Through his Ascension, Jesus inaugurates a new presence, spiritual and universal, through the Church and the Holy Spirit. He does not leave his disciples orphans, but prepares them to receive the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, who will give them the strength and courage they need to accomplish their mission.
As we meditate on this second glorious mystery, we are invited to lift our hearts and minds to heaven, to contemplate the glory of the risen Jesus and to renew our hope in eternal life. The Ascension reminds us that our true home is in heaven, where Jesus has gone before us to prepare a place for us. It encourages us to live our faith with a vision of eternity, bearing witness to the love and truth of Christ in our daily lives.
This mystery also calls us to action. Like the disciples, we are sent out into the world to be witnesses to the Gospel, animated by the Holy Spirit. The Ascension of Jesus invites us to live with courage and determination, bearing the light of the resurrection in our words and actions, and remaining faithful to our mission until the day we are reunited with Him in eternal glory.
