Jesus' resurrection can be understood in three distinct phases, although they really happened together as we see in John's gospel when he speaks of the death of Jesus. First, Jesus, after dying on the cross, enters into new life, "never to die again". Then he is exalted, he is raised up to share the same glory with his Father, God. And finally this results in an outpouring of the Spirit of the Father and the Son on his people and their receiving a mandate to continue the work of Jesus, the building of the Kingdom. Jesus' death, resurrection, ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit really form a "seamless robe", one single movement which, in some ways can all be seen in the climax on Calvary as Jesus totally emptied himself and offered his life to the Father on the Cross at Calvary and then breathed out his Spirit on his followers.

Today, on this feast of the Ascension, we remember the "exaltation" of Jesus, as He is raised up to share equal glory with His Father. But, although He seems to be going away from His disciples, He has already told them He was not leaving them "orphans". His Spirit will continue to be with them and in that Spirit they will continue His work to the end of time.