The WORD in other words (2017) by Father Magdaleno Fabiosa SVD – Villa Cristo Rey, Christ the King Seminary, Quezon City
Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord – A
In the Jewish tradition, priests offered sacrifices on behalf of the people, believing that the shedding of blood reconciled humanity with God. Because people were considered unworthy to approach God directly, the priest became the mediator. The rising smoke of sacrifice symbolized the offering reaching God’s presence.
This background helps us appreciate the meaning of today’s feast. Jesus is our true mediator and eternal priest. Unlike the priests of old, He offered not the blood of animals but His own life. “He entered once for all into the holy places… by means of His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:12).
The Ascension is the Father’s response to Jesus’ perfect obedience and sacrifice. “After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was taken up into heaven and sat at the right hand of God” (Mark 16:19). Just as the smoke of sacrifice rose to God in the Old Testament, Jesus Himself was lifted up, brought into the Father’s presence, and now intercedes for us.
Because of the Ascension, Jesus is not absent but present in a new way. He is seated at the right hand of the Father, continually mediating for us. “He always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25). His humanity is now in God, which means nothing human is foreign to God.
The Letter to the Hebrews assures us: “We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are — yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). Because Jesus ascended with our humanity, He knows our struggles and brings them before the Father.
This gives us confidence to approach God with trust. “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
The Ascension is not Jesus leaving us behind, but Jesus bringing our humanity into the very heart of God. He is our eternal priest, our mediator, and our advocate. Let us rejoice that we have someone in heaven who knows us, understands us, and intercedes for us.
“Lord Jesus, our ascended High Priest, help us to trust in Your intercession and to live faithfully, knowing that You bring us into the Father’s presence.”
