We commemorate Jesus Christ’s ascension into heaven by celebrating Ascension Day, which occurs on the Thursday, 40 days after Easter. This year, it took place on May 26. Many Canadian Anglican parishes already observe Ascension Sunday instead of Thursday.

The Ascension marks the conclusion of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances. It is the final elevation of his human nature to divine glory and the near presence of God.

In the Book of Common Prayer, the lesson for Ascension Day is from the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 1, and here we specifically hear that Jesus appeared to his apostles for 40 days following his resurrection, and that he spoke to them of the kingdom of God. Jesus told them to be witnesses of him both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the world. As he was speaking, he was taken up and received into a cloud. They were then given assurance that Jesus will come again, even as he had then ascended from their sight.

Christ’s ascension into heaven, and the fact that it was witnessed, is important to us as Christians, because of the assurance that Jesus is alive, and has gone to sit at the right hand of God as an advocate and representative for us.

GRANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that like as we do believe thy only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended into the heavens; so we may also in heart and mind thither ascend, and with him continuously dwell, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen. (B.C.P., 1962)