Celebrating Christ's Enthronement

Homily for the Solemnity of the Ascension

The Ascension is one of the most misunderstood feasts in the liturgical calendar. Many imagine Jesus simply “going up” like a balloon into the sky. But the Scriptures today — especially the Letter to the Ephesians — reveal something far deeper, far more cosmic, and far more personal. Ephesians tells us that the Father raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand, placing all things beneath His feet and making Him head over all things for the Church. That is the heart of today’s feast: The Ascension is the enthronement of Christ — and the exaltation of our humanity in Him.

Ephesians emphasizes that Jesus is now “far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion.” This is not poetry. It is a declaration that Christ’s lordship is real, universal, and unshakable. Christ’s Kingship is expressed in a love that heals and restores Christ’s Victory. Jesus does not escape from the world, but triumphs over sin and death. Jesus in not absent but lives in a new mode of being with us. The Ascension is not Jesus distancing Himself from us. It is Jesus taking His place as Lord of history.

Ephesians says Christ is seated at the Father’s right hand “for the Church.”  Not for Himself or for angels - for us. This means: Our humanity is now in the heart of God. Our wounds, our struggles, our hopes are carried into eternity. Our destiny is not earthbound — it is divine. The Ascension is the feast that tells you: You belong in heaven because your humanity is already there in Christ.

This is why the Psalm today cries out with joy: “God mounts His throne to shouts of joy.” It is the joy of heaven welcoming humanity home. Matthew’s Gospel ends with the Great Commission: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations.” But notice the order: Jesus is exalted; Jesus sends us; Jesus promises, “I am with you always.” We are not sent out alone. We are not sent out powerless. We are not sent out unsure of the outcome. We are sent out under the authority of the risen and ascended Christ, who fills the universe and fills His Church with His Spirit. This is why the early Church could evangelize the world with courage. This is why we can live our faith boldly today.

Acts tells us the disciples stood staring at the sky. The angels basically say: “Stop looking up. Start living the mission.” The Ascension shifts the Church’s gaze from nostalgia to mission, from fear to confidence, from absence to presence, from earth to heaven. Christ is not gone. Christ is enthroned and is with us always.

Ephesians gives us a prayer — one we need desperately: “May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation.” In other words: See your life through heaven’s eyes. Recognize Christ’s power at work in you. Live as someone destined for glory. The Ascension is not abstract theology. It is the truth that gives us courage to face suffering, hope to face uncertainty, and purpose to face each day.

The Ascension proclaims: Christ reigns, and humanity is exalted. The Church is empowered, and the mission continues. So today, let us stop looking at the sky and start living the Gospel with the confidence that the One who sends us is the One who reigns over all.