Power of the Lord’s Ascension

[Acts 1:1–12; Luke 24:36–53] Saint Paul expresses the power of the Lord’s Ascension in this manner: When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men (Eph. 4:8). Hav?ing satisfied God’s righteousness, the Lord opened for us all the trea?sures of God’s goodness. This is in?deed a capturing or taking of spoils after victory. The beginning of the distribution of these spoils to people is the descent of the Holy Spirit, Who, having descended, always a?bides in the Church and gives every?one that which he needs, receiving all from that captive captivity (cf. Eph 4:8). Come everyone and take. But prepare for yourself guardian of that treasure, which is a pure heart; have hands to take it, which is unreflecting faith. Then step forth searching hopefully, and praying re?lentlessly.

Saint Theophan the Recluse