Christ defeated death by his death and resurrection. Claimed humanity back from Satan, freeing us from his grasp and bring the forgiveness of sins. Bringing Salvation. And today we celebrate his ascension into heaven.
Yet Jesus only spent 40 days on earth after his resurrection before the ascension. Why did he ascend? Why not stay longer? It is true that he has not abandoned us – he is still with us physically in the Eucharist after all, and he has sent the Holy Spirit - but he is not bodily in front us to show the resurrection. Christ constantly said that it is better that he goes – why?
Perhaps it is because Jesus’ task was not yet done. He had already defeated death and brought the forgiveness of sins - but Christ wanted something more – something far great – he want to lead humanity back to God – to lead us heaven. – by his ascension “he might now appear before God on our behalf.”
Jesus has brought human nature has come into heaven - such that, in the words of scripture found in Hebrews – that “through the blood of Jesuswe have confidence of entrance into the sanctuary by the new and living way he opened for us through the veil” – By his ascension – Jesus opened the way – and he has led the way.
This is why St Bernard of Clairvaux when considering salvation, though the of the ascension is completing action – not the resurrection. The completion of salvation is not just the forgiveness of sins, as great is that is, but communion with God – something which we will only fully have in heaven.
Though we only have this fully in heaven, we have a foretaste when communion at Mass – we receive the Body blood, soul and divinity of Christ – but this is only a foretaste of what is come.
When thinking of salvation – what Jesus did for us – we often end with the resurrection, but do also think about what he accomplished with his ascension? Jesus did more than just defeat death – more than forgive sins – he also opened the way to heaven. He is leading us to heaven, if only we follow. In the words of the book of Hebrews - “Let us hold unwaveringly to our confession that gives us hope, for he who made the promise is trustworthy.”