And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age. (Matthew 28:20)
This weekend we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord. Jesus told the apostles that he would be with them always just before He left them. How is it possible for Him to be both sitting at God’s right hand (Ephesians 1:20) and with us here on earth? How can he remain Emmanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23) after His ascension?
Jesus has truly kept His promise to be with us both spiritually and physically. Both St. Peter and St. Paul refer to the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Christ (1 Peter 1:11, Romans 8:9). Through Jesus, God the Father has sent us the Holy Spirit to be our advocate and comforter: “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth” (John 14:16-17).
Jesus is also truly present physically and spiritually–Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity–in the Most Holy Eucharist (CCC 1374). Jesus fulfills His promise to be with us until the end of the age in the Blessed Sacrament. We are blessed at the Church of the Magdalen to have perpetual adoration; this means we can visit Jesus at any time to pray and adore Him.
The idea that God is with me always, both physically and spiritually, empowers me to be His disciple and fulfill His parting command: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). St. Paul taught that we have a share in God’s power: “the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe, in accord with the exercise of his great might” (Ephesians 1:19). When God is with us, His power is with us. This should give us great hope and confidence to live as Christian disciples and proclaim the Gospel.
Loving Father, Powerful Son, Spirit of Christ, be with me in the difficult moments of my life. Give me Your strength. Help me remain close to You so I am empowered to do Your will.