The Ascension of Jesus (Vision of Anne Catherine Emmerich)

 


 

 

Jesus went toward Gethsemane, and from the garden, He climbed the Mount of Olives, appearing more and more radiant with every step. Upon reaching the summit of the mountain, He shone like a sun. A circle of light descended from heaven, forming something like a multi-colored rainbow. Jesus shone even more brightly than the glory that surrounded Him. He placed His left hand upon His chest and, with His right hand, blessed the entire world. 

At that moment, the light descending from heaven united with the radiance of Jesus; the brightness of His head merged into one light with that of the sky, and He disappeared into the heights of heaven. It seemed as if one sun were entering another sun, as if looking directly at the sun in the middle of the day—yet the light was brighter and whiter.

When I could no longer see His radiant head, I continued to see His feet until He disappeared completely into the great light and splendor. I cannot say that I saw Him disappear by growing smaller to our eyes in the distance; rather, He disappeared into the light that surrounded Him from above. When those present could no longer see the radiance, they were all overcome by a great fear. The apostles and disciples who were closest to Him, unable to bear such intense light, were as if blinded and looked downward; many threw themselves face down upon the ground. Mary Most Holy stood right behind them, looking upward calmly.

After a few moments, and once the light had diminished, they all looked in great silence toward the luminous cloud, which remained visible for a long time. Within the cloud, I saw two radiant figures descend, wearing long white garments and holding staffs in their hands, after the manner of the prophets. They spoke to those present, and their voices were like trumpets. They did not move; they stood upright and motionless, saying: "Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you have seen Him go into heaven."

After these words, the angels disappeared, but the radiance continued for some time until it dissipated, just as day darkens into night.