Those bidding good-bye are around us all of our lives. Sometimes there are almost unbearable feelings and other times merely a shrug of the shoulders. We may sense terrible lostness. Occasionally, it may be a matter of saying under our breaths that it is good riddance. Perhaps most of us have been there and done all of that.

In the case of our dear Lord's ascension, we discover quickly that this is not a usual parting which is common to our experience. There is something very different here! We weren't there, of course, but it is a crucial part of the Lord's progression away from his followers to be with his Father.

Some professing Christians make very little out of this miraculous event. Some duly note it in the liturgical calendar and rather tip their hats. Still others underline it an…