not up in smoke
"No sooner had He said this than He was lifted up before their eyes in a cloud which took Him from their sight." —Acts 1:9
When Jesus ascended, we thought we had lost contact, lost power, and lost hope. Yet, really it is much better for us that He ascended (Jn 16:7). Now Jesus can live in each person and not just one place (Jn 6:56). He can do in us things greater than He did in His physical body (Jn 14:12). Why? Because He goes to the Father and whatever you ask in His name will be done (Jn 14:12-14). We don't have less but full power and presence. We are "the fullness of Him (Jesus) Who fills the universe in all its parts" (Eph 1:23).
This may seem hard to believe but just wait and pray. We will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes down on us (Acts 1:8), and then we will know it's better for us that He has left (Jn 16:7). God will enlighten our innermost vision to know the great hope to which we are called, the wealth of His glorious heritage (Eph 1:18), "and the immeasurable scope of His power in us who believe. It is like the strength He showed in raising Christ from the dead and seating Him at His right hand in heaven" (Eph 1:19- 20).
I'm glad Jesus is not physically walking the earth any more. Yes, it's much better for us that He has gone. If there's any doubt about it, the Holy Spirit will confirm it.
Prayer: Ascended and glorified Jesus, thank You for the power that breaks the force of gravity. Thank You for power from on high (Lk 24:49).
Promise: "They fell down to do Him reverence, then returned to Jerusalem filled with joy. There they were to be found in the temple constantly, speaking the praises of God." —Lk 24:52-53
Praise: Alleluia! Jesus has ascended to the right hand of the Father! He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords! He is God! Alleluia!
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Edward J. Gratsch, October 10, 1995
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 13, 1995