Ascended!

Protestants don't spend a lot of time on the Ascension. Oh we believe in it and know that it's a necessary transition from Jesus' earthly life to heavenly life. Ascension traffics in the language of mystery and that makes many of us nervous. Jesus died. We get that. He rose. We get that too. But hanging around 40 days talking, touching, eating, explaining is a bit weird. Is he physical or spiritual? What happened to that post-resurrection body of his as he ascended into heaven.
The altar-piece evokes upward mystery and the gold brocade and crown of royalty. The ascension event innaugurates an uncomfortable period for the disciples; a period of waiting. They were taught no more. They heard all that they would hear from the human lips of Jesus. He told them that their job now was to not leave Jerusalem but to wait for the promise of the Father.