RCIA Resources – Session 24

The Ascension and the Reign of Christ — Lord of Heaven and Earth

RCIA – Session 24
This session forms part of a structured introduction to the Catholic Faith used in parish RCIA. It is intended to be read slowly and prayerfully, alongside participation in the life of the Church. This material is offered for formation and reflection. Reception into the Catholic Church always involves personal discernment and parish accompaniment.

Aim of this session

By the end of this session, participants should understand that:

  • the Ascension is not Christ’s departure but His exaltation
  • Christ now reigns as Lord with real authority
  • Christ continues to act for our salvation
  • heaven is not a place of absence but of power
  • the Church lives under Christ’s present kingship

This session asks:

Where is Christ now — and what is He doing?

1. Why the Ascension Matters

After the Resurrection, an obvious question arises:

If Christ is risen, why is He no longer seen as before?

The Church teaches that Christ:

  • did not abandon humanity
  • did not withdraw His presence
  • did not cease His work

Instead, He entered a new mode of presence and authority.

The Ascension explains how Christ reigns now.

2. What the Ascension Is — and Is Not

The Ascension is not:

  • Christ leaving creation
  • Christ becoming distant
  • Christ abandoning the world

It is:

The exaltation of Christ’s humanity into divine glory.

Christ ascended:

  • body and soul
  • as true man
  • into heavenly glory

This is not absence.
It is enthronement.

Penny Catechism

Q. Where is Jesus Christ now?
A. Jesus Christ is in heaven, sitting at the right hand of God the Father.

3. “Sitting at the Right Hand”

This expression does not mean:

  • a physical chair
  • spatial limitation

It means:

  • supreme authority
  • royal power
  • participation in divine rule

To sit at the right hand is to reign.

The Ascension proclaims:

Christ is King and Lord.

4. Christ’s Kingship Now

Christ reigns now:

  • over heaven and earth
  • over history
  • over the Church

His kingdom is not:

  • political domination
  • enforced by violence

It is:

  • a kingdom of truth
  • a kingdom of grace
  • a kingdom of love

Christ governs by truth and grace, not coercion.

5. Christ as Our Mediator

The Ascension does not end Christ’s work.

It begins a new phase.

Christ now:

  • intercedes for us
  • presents His sacrifice eternally
  • obtains grace for the Church

He is not distant.
He is active.

Penny Catechism

Q. What is Jesus Christ doing in heaven?
A. Jesus Christ is interceding for us with God the Father.

6. Heaven and Earth United

Because Christ ascended in His humanity:

  • human nature is exalted
  • heaven and earth are united

Heaven is not:

escape from humanity

It is:

the fulfilment of humanity

This gives dignity to:

  • bodily life
  • human history
  • moral choices

What is done in the body matters eternally.

7. The Ascension and the Church’s Mission

Christ ascended so that:

  • the Church might act in His name
  • His authority might be exercised through her
  • His presence might be universal

The Church does not replace Christ.
She acts by His authority.

The Ascension makes the Church’s mission possible.

8. Common Difficulties Addressed

“Why doesn’t Christ rule visibly?”

Faith must mature without compulsion.

“Does this mean Christ is far away?”

He is present in a new and powerful way.

“Is heaven real?”

Heaven is real, but not bound by space as we know it.

9. What Is Being Asked of You Now

At this stage, you are asked to consider this:

If Christ reigns now, do I live under His authority?

That question prepares the way for teaching on judgment.

10. Questions for the Week

Reflect quietly during the week:

  • Do I think of Christ as present ruler or distant figure?
  • What does it mean to live under His kingship?
  • How does Christ’s intercession affect my prayer?

11. Closing Summary

Christ did not disappear.
He ascended.

He reigns:

  • with authority
  • with power
  • with mercy

The Ascension proclaims Christ as Lord of heaven and earth.

Next week we will ask:

How will Christ come again — and what does judgment mean?

Optional Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ,
You reign in glory and intercede for us.
Teach us to live under Your kingship,
and to trust in Your saving power.
Amen.