The theological unity, or perhaps even the
temporal experience of the early community, made it seem
that Jesus’ resurrection and his ascension were inseparable
aspects of a single mystery. Only in the later writings of Luke
and John has further theological reflection helped the
Christian community to distinguish different dimensions of
the mystery. Liturgical tradition has followed the forty-day
chronology formulated by Luke. We would miss the point, however, if we were to
demand a precise historical chronology of events such as the Resurrection-
Ascension that are primarily spiritual in nature and that clearly surpass the bounds
of time and space as we know them.
What is important for us to grasp is the significance of the Ascension. For
Luke, it is the decisive turning point that marks the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry and
the beginning of the disciples’ Spirit-led ministry and thus the ministry of the whole
church down to our own day. | 
