The Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ into heaven is the completion of the Paschal Mystery. He shows us that where he has gone, we are to follow. His physical presence in eternity shows us that the new heavens and the new earth will be a physical reality where "He will wipe away all tears from their eyes; there will be no more death, and no more mourning or sadness" (Revelation 21: 4).
For the past seven weeks we have been celebrating the most joyous season of the Catholic liturgical year. The Easter season has filled us with immense joy and profound hope. The barriers of time and space no longer apply to the Lord. He appears and disappears with shocking suddenness. He continually demonstrates his physical reality. The Apostles and the disciples see him, hear him, and eat with him. Thomas is told to touch his wounds. The stone rolled away from the entrance, and the carefully folded burial cloths direct our gaze to the physical. He has truly risen.
Read entire homily here.
