In the first book, Theophilus, I dealt with all that Jesus did and taught until the day he was taken up, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. (Acts 1:1)

Today is the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord into Heaven. (In the United States this Feast is perpetually transferred from Thursday to this Sunday).

The Ascension of Jesus is his returning to Heaven, where he now sits at the right hand of the Father, enthroned with power and glory and authority over all creation. Before Ascending, Jesus promised to never abandon us. He is still with us, indeed, through the Holy Spirit, working through the Church. The Acts of the Apostles shows us that the same Holy Spirit that worked in the life of Jesus, is still at work, through the Church: through the leadership of the Church, through the Word of God, the sacraments, and in the heart of each and every believer.

Jesus’ Ascension reminds us that, even though he is still at work in the world though the Holy Spirit,  his earthly work is done, his work as the man, Jesus of Nazareth. Now he awaits our arrival, our homecoming to our Heavenly Father, after our earthly journey in this world is done.