Lecture Notes: The Ascension and Its Priestly Dimension

Key Themes

• Discussion on the Ascension of Jesus and its dual dimensions: Royal and Priestly.
• Focus on the second reading from the Book of Hebrews (Chapters 9 and 10) which offers an extended reflection on Jesus's Ascension.

Jesus's Priestly Identity in the Ascension

• Hebrews' Perspective:
  • Jesus enters a sanctuary "not made with hands" as the "great priest over the house of God."
  • Significance:
    • Jesus's entrance into the heavenly sanctuary on the day of Ascension is crucial.
    • He offers himself as a sacrifice to the Father for all eternity, once and for all time.

Importance of the Ascension

• Climax of the Paschal Mystery:
  • Beyond the sacrifice on Calvary and the Last Supper.
  • Resurrection and Ascension are integral parts, bringing the historical event into eternity.
  • Connects to the Day of Atonement, where Jesus fulfills the eternal sacrifice, unlike the annual sacrifices by the high priest.

Theological Insights

• Catechism of the Catholic Church (Paragraph 622):
  • Jesus's crucifixion and Ascension as a continuous process.
  • Christ enters heaven to appear in the presence of God on behalf of humanity.
  • Christ's eternal priesthood involves constant intercession.

The Role of the Ascension in the Eucharist

• Making the Historical Present:

  • The Ascension allows the historical sacrifice to transcend time and space.
  • Enables the presence of Jesus's sacrifice in the Eucharist today.

• Priestly Participation:

  • Every Eucharistic celebration participates in the one eternal sacrifice.
  • Earthly priests partake in Jesus Christ's eternal priesthood through the mystery of the Ascension.

Conclusion

• Understanding the Ascension is crucial for understanding the perpetual relevance and presence of Jesus's sacrifice.
• The Ascension connects the past event of the Passion with the eternal presence of Christ in the liturgy today.