![]() ![]() Thomas’ second reason for the Ascension as essential to salvation is that through it, Jesus went to heaven to intercede for us as the eternal high priest. If you know me, then you will also know my Father” ( John 14:6-7). No one comes to the Father except through me. Jesus replied, “I am the way and the truth and the life. The Apostle Thomas asked Jesus at the Last Supper, “Master, we do not know where you are going how can we know the way?” ( John 14:5). Jesus himself is the way to heaven, and thus it is fitting that he himself abide there to reign. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be” ( John 14:2-3). Thomas also cites John 14:2, where Jesus says, “In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. Jesus himself ascending there was fitting for their welcome. Paul takes Psalm 68 as pointing to Christ’s deliverance of the just souls in Hades and opening the doors of heaven. Paul recalls a Psalm prophesying the Christ: “He ascended on high and took prisoners captive he gave gifts to men” ( Ephesians 4:8). Thomas writes, “First, He prepared the way for our ascent into heaven.” St. ![]() He quotes John 16:7 in which Jesus tells the apostles, “But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go.” Thomas Aquinas argues that the Ascension is part of what Christ did to effect our salvation ( Summa Theologica III, 57, 6). Thomas Aquinas also brings clarity to the question through his interpretation of the Gospels and the New Testament epistles. John’s Gospel shows us that Jesus spent a considerable amount of time at the Last Supper tenderly explaining it to his apostles (John 13-16). Scripture shows us that the Ascension is connected intrinsically with the Paschal Mystery and the coming of the Holy Spirit, and thus was crucial for our salvation and the welfare of the Church. We could ask with them: Why did Jesus have to ascend to heaven only 40 days after the Resurrection? Why could he not have remained walking among his followers for many ages? Then after the Ascension, they were found “standing there looking at the sky” before being reassured by the angels ( Acts 1:11). The disciples were troubled at the Last Supper when Jesus hinted of his going up to the Father ( John 13:33). ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |