St. Joseph's Catholic Church

I am with you Always

The feast of the Ascension of the Lord is often misunderstood as the moment Jesus “left” the earth. But in reality, the Ascension is not about absence; it is about presence, mission, and hope. Jesus returns to the Father, yet He remains with His people in a new and deeper way.
That is why before ascending into heaven, He tells His disciples in Gospel of Matthew: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… and behold, I am with you always.”
Imagine the feelings of the disciples that day.

They had walked with Jesus, eaten with Him, listened to His teachings, and witnessed His Resurrection. Now He was ascending before their eyes. Humanly speaking, they could have felt abandoned or afraid. Yet instead of despairing, they eventually became courageous witnesses who transformed the world. What changed them? They believed the promise of Christ: “I am with you always.”

That promise is still true today. Christ is still with His Church. He is present in the Eucharist, in prayer, in Scripture, and in every act of love and mercy. Many people today feel alone, confused, or overwhelmed by life’s pressures — economic difficulties, family struggles, sickness, disappointment, grief, and uncertainty about the future.

The Ascension reminds us that Jesus has not abandoned us in these struggles. He walks with us even when we do not immediately feel His presence.