Ascension – Ancient Belief and Future Hope
The Feast of the Ascension, traditionally 40 days after Easter, is rich in the understanding of the Early Church regarding the nature of Jesus Christ and our relationship with him. The foundation of the Ascension is found in Luke 24: 36-53 and in the Acts of the Apostles 1: 1-12. Jesus leads his disciples to a mountaintop (remember that in biblical language the mountaintop was the place we encountered God). There he gives them his final challenge – “Go forth into the world and baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” and his final promise – “I will send the Holy Spirit as an advocate to you.” Then he rose and disappeared from their sight.
Too often, we listen to this account and imagine Jesus floating up to heaven. The true message is far richer and more profound. The Early Church knew and honored this occasion of hope; icons dating back before the 6th Century reveal this understanding.
Look at an icon image from the Monastery of Mount Sinai that dates before the 6th Century. Jesus is lifted up by adoring angels while below the disciples are confused and amazed. In the center is Mary, the Mother of the Church, standing firm and peaceful in a posture of prayer and support.
The early understanding of the Ascension is so important that later icons rarely differ from those early, original images. Ten centuries later, the classical icon created in the Monastery of Novgorod still teaches the same basic truths.
The Ascension is a celebration of joy.
Rather than mourning the departure of Jesus, the Church celebrates his Truth by going forth and sharing his Word with the entire world. Look at the figure of Jesus who is surrounded by a mandorla (or circle) of light and clothed in brilliant golden robes. This is the same type of image that is used to depict Jesus’ 2nd Coming. The disciples and other figures are all dressed in bright, festive colors.
The theology of the link between the Ascension and the Second Coming is found in scripture:
“Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11)
and
“Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald.” (Rev 4:2-3)
These icons depict Jesus’ Ascension and Second Coming in like manner. Both reveal the nature of the resurrected body and the hope of resurrection for all. After the Resurrection, Jesus revealed the nature of the Resurrection of the Body for all of us: after death, our resurrected bodies will have no physical limitations – we are united with the Divine.
The icon reveals the state of the Church.
The icons of the Ascension are rich in meaning. As the disciples are confused and uncertain, Mary, who represents the true Church, remains calm and prayerful – she is in union with God. Notice that Jesus, the angels, and Mary all have halos, a sign of God’s presence. The disciples, who do not understand, appear without halos.
Icons of the Ascension symbolically depict the Church. This is most evident by the Apostle Paul being present in the icons, despite the Ascension occurring before Paul’s conversion. This is not an uncommon practice; icons of Pentecost always depict Paul as present and receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The action of God is timeless! In the Pentecost icons, the disciples all have halos – they now understand the message!
No matter what happens around us, no matter if those in the Church fail to see the message, the Church itself is firm and the center of understanding. Throughout history, we have seen this truth played out. Even when the “characters” in authority have lost sight of the Truth and the Way of Christ, the Church itself, guided by the Holy Spirit, had remained constant in the presence of God.
In times of confusion and trial, the icon of the Ascension can both comfort and teach. We are reminded that, no matter how difficult and frightening the situation, God is with us and God brings peace. Even when we lose sight of God, God always has us in view. The Ascension reminds us of our mission – to find peace in Christ and to bring that peace and love to the world around us.
Ed Duncklee, May 2020