So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God. But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs. Mark 16:19-20
Have you ever wondered what it would have been like if Jesus had not left the Apostles and ascended into heaven? What if He would have stayed with us throughout history? He could have done so! At first the Apostles thought He was going to be staying to establish His kingdom on earth: “When they had gathered together they asked him, ‘Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?’” (Acts 1:6). But this was not God’s plan. Part of His “plan of sheer goodness” (CCC 1) was for Jesus to endure His Passion, be buried, rise again, stay for a short time with the Apostles, then be taken into heaven to be seated as King of the Universe with God the Father.
Another essential part of the plan is the coming of the Holy Spirit: “…it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:9). Jesus had to depart in order for the Holy Spirit to come. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit will be with us forever and guide us to all truth: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, to be with you for ever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him; you know him, for he dwells with you, and will be in you” (John 14:15-17).
Notice that the Holy Spirit lives with us, the Church. He dwells within each one of us (1 Corinthians 3:16) and guides us, but we must listen to Him. This both comforts and convicts me. I am comforted that we are not left all alone without God’s presence. It convicts me that I need to spend time each day in silence in order to listen to the counsel of the Holy Spirit.
Father, thank you for Your plan of sheer goodness for us. Thank You for sending Your Son. Thank you for sending Your Spirit. Help me to listen and be obedient to Your Word.