III. When they had arrived at the Mount, Christ lifted up His hands, to signify the fulness of His benediction, and blessed them- Then raising Himself up by His own inherent power, as He did at His resurrection, He ascended by degrees, until a bright cloud snatched Him from their sight. Imagine how the disciples rejoiced in the glory of their Lord, " Who made the clouds His chariot, and who walked on the wings of the wind." (Ps. ciii. 3.) Let it be said of you, that you wish and are determined to ascend with Christ, and that "in your heart you are disposed to ascend by steps." (Ps. lxxxiii. 6.) Make continual progress from one virtue to another, until you reach the mount of perfection.
SATURDAY.
Christ's Ascension.— II.
I. Christ being out of the sight of His disciples, entered heaven in a triumphant manner. He was accompanied by an infinite multitude of angels, who had come forth to meet Him, and followed by a numerous train of holy Fathers, whom He had redeemed from captivity. u Ascending on high, He led captivity captive." (Eph. iv. 8.) Contemplate and admire His solemn entry into heaven. " God ascended with jubilee, and the Lord with sound of trumpet" (Is. xlvi. 6), whilst the celestial spirits invited each other to sing His praises. " Sing to the Lord, sing ye to God, who mounteth above the heaven of heavens to the east." (Ps. lxvii. 33.) , II. When Christ appeared before the throne of His eternal Father, He presented Him with the holy captives, as spoils taken from the infernal enemy. He then gives Him an account of His mission. " I have glorified Thee
