Reasonableness and Benefits of the Ascension of Christ by St. Thomas Aquinas

The ascension of Christ into heaven is in accord with reason because; Firstly, heaven was due to Christ by His very nature. It is natural for one to return to that place from whence he takes his origin. The beginning of Christ is from God, who is above all things…The just ascend into heaven, but not in the manner that Christ ascended i.e. by His own power, for they are taken up by Christ. Secondly, Heaven is due to Christ because of His victory. For He was sent into the world to combat the devil, and He did overcame him. Therefore, Christ deserved to be exalted above all things. Thirdly, the ascension is reasonable because of the humility of Christ. There never was humility so great as that of Christ, who, although He was God, yet wished to become man; and although He was the Lord, yet wished to take the form of a servant….and descended even into hell. For this He deserved to be exalted even to heaven and to the throne of God, for humility leads to exaltation.

Benefits The Ascension of Christ was very beneficial for us. This is seen in three ways; Firstly, as Our Leader, He ascended inorder to lead us; for we had lost the way, but He has shown it to us. Secondly, that He might draw our hearts to himself: “For where they treasure is, there is thy heart also.” Thirdly, to let us withdraw from worldly things: “Therefore, if you be risen with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. Mind the things that are above, not the things that are upon the earth.”(Col. 3 v 2).

St. Thomas Aquinas, Ora Pro Nobis