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| The Ascension of Christ, by Andrea Mantegna, 1460-64 |
Truly it was a great and unspeakable cause for rejoicing, when in the sight of the holy multitude, the nature of the human race ascended above the dignity of all heavenly creatures to surpass the ranks of the Angels, and be lifted up beyond the heights of the Archangels, and have no limit to its advancement in any heights, until it was received at seat of the Eternal Father, and share a throne with the glory of Him, to whose nature it was united in the Son. Therefore, because the ascension of Christ is our advancement, and the hope of the bodily is called to that place where the glory of head has preceded, let us also rejoice, dearly beloved, with worthy joys, give glad thanks. For today, we are confirmed not only in the possession of Paradise, but in Christ, we have also penetrated the heights of heaven. Through the ineffable grace of Christ, we have gained greater things than those which we had lost through the envy of the devil. For those whom the poisonous enemy cast down from the happiness of our first home, the Son of God, having united them in body to Himself, has placed at the right hand of the Father, with Whom He liveth and reigneth, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen. (Pope St Leo the Great, First Sermon on the Ascension - from the Breviary of St Pius V.)