What has been now said about the Ascension of our Lord, comes to this: that we are in a world of mystery, with one bright Light before us, sufficient for our proceeding forward through all our difficulties. Take away this Light, and we are utterly wretched -- we know not where we are, how we are sustained, what will become of us, and all that is dear to us, what we are to believe, and why we are in being. But with it we have all and abound. Not to mention the duty and wisdom of implicit faith in the love of him who made and redeemed us, what is nobler, what is more elevating and transporting, than the generosity of heart which risks everything on God’s word, dares the powers of evil to their worst efforts, and repels the illusions of sense and the artifices of reason, by confidence in the truth of him who has ascended to the right hand of the Majesty on high. What infinite mercy it is in him, that he allows sinners such as we are, the privilege of acting the part of heroes rather than of penitents? Who are we “that we should be able” and have opportunity “to offer so willingly after this sort?” – “Blessed,” surely thrice blessed, “are they who have not seen and yet have believed!” We will not wish for sight; we will enjoy our privilege; we will triumph in the leave given s to go forward, “not knowing whither we go,” knowing that “this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith.” It is enough that our Redeemer lives; that he has been on earth and will come again. On him we venture our all; we can bear thankfully to put ourselves into his hands, our interests present and eternal, and the interests of all we love.
-- Venerable John Henry Newman (+1890)
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