Transitions are difficult moments in our lives. Whenever we come to the end of something in our life, we face the challenge of letting go of what is familiar, of plunging into the unknown. Letting go is hard. No less, beginning again is hard, even when the new reality is something to which we've been looking forward for a long time. As anyone who has worked their way through a 12-step recovery program knows, there is no other way: all we can do is “let go and let God”, living life “one day at a time!”

Today’s feast of the Ascension is both about letting go and the promise of new beginnings. This is beautifully illustrated by the work of the evangelist St. Luke. One story comes to a close: the Gospel, the time in which Jesus is present and visible to his followers: he is God the Son, the Word made flesh. Immediately, another story begins: the Acts of the Apostles, the initiation of the realm of God the Holy Spirit. The principle of continuity between the two stories is Jesus, who promises to be present to his disciples forever: “Remember, I am with you always, to the end of time.” What is different is the form of his presence: henceforth, the followers of Jesus must discern his presence in the world through his empowering and indwelling Spirit.

Once again, the poetry of mystic Malcolm Guite brings us to a deeper appreciation of this mystery, and its meaning for us today: