A pioneer in any field of endeavour wins the approval, and often the following, of those impressed by bravery and "stickability". One such leader inspired others to join with him in the task of establishing a civilised community in the midst of a wild and dangerous area in equatorial Africa. His dedication and striking leadership soon cured their natural fears. Constant dangers in the environment were conquered, and a splendid community was established. When the leader had to leave them he had taught them all the "ropes". They were equipped to carry on the good work.
The leader, knowing they would adhere to his teaching and always remember him, had the kind of confidence which Jesus expressed on the cross about His mission on earth: "It is finished." He was rejoicing in having pioneered and established His kingdom of love. Like that pioneer in equatorial Africa He had prepared His followers to staff and continue the splendid community.
When Jesus returned to heaven on Ascension Day, says an old legend, He reported back on His pioneering mission to the world. With confidence He told of the responsibility He had given to His trusted followers. "What plans have you in mind if they should fail?" He was asked. "I have no other plans," He replied. Those same trusted followers had been in His company all the way. His influence on them, and their increasing trust in His promise of coming in the spirit equipped them for guiding and guarding the church He had pioneered.
Saint Luke tells of their experience on the Ascension Day: "When He had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany He lifted up His hands and blessed them. While He was blessing them He left them and was taken up into Heaven. Then they worshipped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy."
One of the hardest moments among many for the disciples of was on that day at Bethany. There they faced separation from their beloved master and friend as He disappeared from their sight. They felt robbed of what had been central in their lives. They were bereaved.
The bereaved know a "crying agony" inside themselves in having to accept a hard fact and its inevitability. The effects of bereavement through death or estrangement in life can be disturbing. The habitual attitude of faithfulness, especially in prayer, can be a satisfying and assuring bulwark in the midst of sorrow.
In the account of the Ascension Day there is not any mention of the disciples sorrowing, which of course did take place. Immediately after their friend and their God had gone up on high to reign they prayed and rejoiced:
All His work is ended.
Joyfully we sing,
Jesus hath ascended!
Glory to our King!
They did not, and we must not, think of the Ascension as the beginning of the end, but rather as the end of the beginning. What a glorious beginning Pentecost!