The dramatic Easter Pageant that begin six weeks ago with the Triduum and especially the Vigil reaches the final turn. Easter is about life; new and permanent life with God; life bursting triumphantly from the tomb, though for almost all, it was not immediately recognized.

These disciples had seen a It and been through a lot. They had known moments of triumph, and moments of suffering. They were chosen witnesses to the resurrection. And now as they stood with him on this mountain top, he slowly began to rise and disappear from them. In shock, they hung around until prodded to move on and assemble in prayer to await the Holy Spirit.

Perhaps this image of Jesus' ascension is like the space shuttle from Cape Canaveral or a medieval picture of the crucified feet hanging beneath the clouds; but the point not to be missed is the symbolism of mountains consistent in the Bible

It was Noah who spoke with God after the flood landing on Mt. Arahat. It was Moses who received the Commandments on Mt Sinai. It was Elijah who received the call to prophecy on Mt. Carmel;

Jesus likewise was transfigured on Mt. Tabor, crucified on Mt. Calvary, and now manifests his universality and glory on the Mount in Bethany.

This doctrine of the Ascension is about Jesus reunification with the Father, but ours as well. He says: "I must go. I am going to prepare a place for you. But if I do not go, I cannot send the Holy Spirit."

At the same time that Jesus says he must depart, He promises that I am with you always until the end of time. His presence with us is both in the Eucharist and in Baptism in the power of the Holy Spirit.

It is the Spirit who gives life. To be alive means more than taking up bodily space in this world. To be alive means that my life has been changed because I have come to know Jesus in the scriptures, the sacraments, in the depths of my heart and the heart of others

Jesus adds: "Because I have full authority; I can send you forth with every assurance that your mission will be successful Because I have full authority my presence will never desert you. "

This commissioning is for every Christian; we cannot in faith neglect it, particularly in our times; even if it fills us with feelings of dread and insecurity we need to take to heart this final promise.

AS John F. Kennedy said in his inaugural, perhaps using an image from the Easter vigil: Now the torch is past to a new generation--our generation, our turn to convincingly proclaim that Jesus is alive in me --in each of us--and will give us this life changing power if we want it.

Christ did not just disappear. He ascended with promises in which we believe, which we expect and in which we share wonderful hope for today and the future.