Today's celebration raises some puzzling questions. We celebrate the Ascension of Christ --- his final departure from the temporal world. For the first disciples, this doesn't seem like a happy occasion. They will lose the physical, visual connection with Jesus, just as they've come to understand his mission and ministry.

In today's Gospel reading, as Jesus rises to the heavens, messengers appear and scold the disciples: "Men of Galilee," they say, "why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven."

Well, if I were there, I would answer that if Jesus is going to return in the same way that he left, where else but the sky should I look? At the very least, it seems understandable that those witnessing the Ascension would be captivated by the event!

In reality, perhaps the physical departure of Jesus Christ from the human realm is good news for the disciples and for all of us. Jesus indicates that his presence will continue in a more powerful and omnipresent way through the Holy Spirit --- unrestricted by the physical world.

"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you," Jesus tells his followers, "and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Not only will the presence of Jesus be available in a more pervasive way, the disciples will empowered by his Spirit to continue his ministry.

It is rarely comfortable to experience change. Was the Ascension welcomed by the disciples? We're not really told. But I know from my own life that when my experience of God changes, it is usually frightening at first. I don't want to let go of what is familiar, if not comfortable. I don't want to face new challenges.

Of course, if I don't face new challenges, I won't experience new blessings either. Jesus' followers will receive a divine power more intense and compelling than anything they experienced while Jesus was among them. Never will they pine away, longing for the physical Christ to be with them. Because they will know the presence of Christ is with them at all times, surging through them with previously unthinkable love, compassion and joy.

The departure of Christ from this world is good news for the disciples. It heralds a new and deeper and more intimate experience of Jesus, one that empowers them to carry on his ministry. Why should they not be looking at the sky? Perhaps because they ought to cast their eyes towards Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth, where they can share the love and grace that they have experienced.

As we celebrate the Ascension, we are challenged to examine our own experience of Jesus. We are called to always be open to experiencing God in new ways, to break out of our comfort zones, and to be open to a deeper, richer, more powerful relationship.

Bill Peatman writes from Napa. He may be reached at bptidings@yahoo.com.