Where Did Jesus Go?

This week in the church calendar, we move closer to a strange and powerful moment: Ascension Sunday. The day we remember when Jesus was lifted up and returned to God.

If we stop there, the story might feel like Jesus just disappeared. Like he left us. But the truth is the opposite: when Jesus ascended, he didn’t go away.

He expanded.

Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ is no longer in just one place at one time. He is with us, in us, and around us. And more than that, we (yes, us!) are now the body of Christ in the world.

That’s a big thing to say, but let’s think about it. God is Spirit. And because God is Spirit, many people may never “see” or “hear” or “feel” God directly. But they can see us. They can hear us. They can feel our love.

The church, the people of God, becomes the visible and touchable presence of Christ. And that means our hands, our words, our hugs, our prayers, our actions: they all matter.

When we love someone, they feel the love of God.
When we stand beside someone who is hurting, they feel the comfort of Jesus.
When we fight for someone who has been forgotten, they feel the justice of Christ.

We often say, “The church is not a building, it’s the people!” But I would add, the church is not just any group of people. It’s a people who choose love again and again.

That’s what Ascension reminds me: Jesus is not gone. He is alive in us. We are now his feet walking into places that need hope. His voice speaking up for peace. His heart beating for our neighbors.

So maybe the better question isn’t “Where did Jesus go?” but “Where will we go now, in his name?”

Warmly,

Rev. David Gaitan