Before I look at the text itself, I want to begin with a question I have been musing on.
How does the ascension affect me?
What does it mean for me, right here in 2026?
If Andy were posing the question, he would probably quote one of his favourite philosophers, William James, and ask, “What is the cash value of ascension?”
I think these are important questions to ponder.
But first I want to look at the text itself, especially in the light of what I reflected on in my last blog — that these words were penned for people living under severe persecution. Acts is generally dated somewhere between 65 CE and 85 CE, during the brutal periods associated with Nero and later Domitian. That matters. Words are always heard through the lens of current circumstances.
The book of Acts opens by telling the reader there had been several post-resurrection appearances over a period of forty days. Today’s reading describes the final one. Then comes a very telling question addressed to the resurrected Christ:
“Is this the time you will restore the kingdom to Israel?”
What lies behind that question?
What are the people still hoping for?
It is striking that right at the beginning of Acts, this group of followers — named disciples alongside other women and men — are still hoping for a revolutionary leader who will free them from their political oppression.
They had witnessed Jesus’ life and miracles, heard the teaching, lived through the trauma of crucifixion, encountered resurrection appearances, and still they hoped for political liberation.
The resurrected Christ does not dismiss the longing. There is no rebuke. Instead, the response is simply that the timing rests in the hands of G*d.
Then comes the promise that they will receive power and that this small, fragile movement will spread “to the ends of the earth.” (8)
And then the ascension itself:
Christ is “lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.” (9)
I think that detail becomes especially significant when interpreted in the context of persecution. These were people facing fear, violence, imprisonment, and sometimes martyrdom. Even after hearing resurrection stories, perhaps they still needed reassurance that death was not the end. That suffering and empire would not ultimately triumph.
The story continues that while they stood watching, two people in white robes appeared and spoke with them. The imagery echoes both resurrection morning and the transfiguration. Once again, heavenly messengers appear in moments of fear and uncertainty.
So, this becomes a powerful opening to Acts.
A reaffirmation that life continues.
A reaffirmation that empire is not ultimate.
A reaffirmation that G*d remains present even when Christ is no longer physically visible.
And perhaps that brings me back to my original question.
What is the “cash value” of ascension for me now?
I do not think it is primarily about geography, as though heaven were “up there” somewhere beyond the clouds. Nor do I think the story is asking me to spend my life staring upwards waiting to escape the earth.
Perhaps ascension is instead about trust.
Trust that the way of Christ continues even when certainty disappears.
Trust that love and justice still matter in violent times.
Trust that death, oppression, and empire do not have the final word.
The disciples eventually stop staring into the sky and return to Jerusalem where they begin the difficult work of building community, sharing possessions, feeding people, resisting fear, and carrying hope into a wounded world.
Maybe that is the true meaning of ascension.
Not escape from the world, but the courage to remain fully present within it.
