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LXXXIII. THE ASCENSION OF JESUS CHRIST.
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thus much[1] has been written, that we may believe that Jesus is the Son of God; and that, believing, we may have life[2] in His Name[3].


COMMENTARY.

The Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our Lord went up Body and Soul into heaven in the sight of His apostles, by His own power, to take possession of His glory, and to be our Advocate and Mediator in heaven with the Father. He ascended as Man, as Head of the


Fig. 94. Church on the place from which Christ ascended on Mount Olivet. (Phot. Bonfils.)

redeemed, and has prepared a dwelling in heaven for all those who follow in His steps (Sixth article of the Creed).

The Feast of our Lord’s Ascension, forty days after Easter. On this day after the Gospel at the High Mass the Paschal Candle is put out, as a sign that He who had risen was no longer visible on earth.


  1. Thus much. The preceding chapters have been gathered from the four Gospels, according to St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke, and St.John; whereas those that are to follow will be taken from the Acts of the Apostles. The words quoted from St. John form a very fitting conclusion to the Life of our Lord Jesus Christ on earth.
  2. Life. The life of grace here on earth, and eternal life hereafter.
  3. In His Name. i. e. by His merits.