Today we celebrate the feast of the Ascension - the day Jesus was taken up into heaven. After the devastation of seeing their teacher put to death as a common criminal, they were given an opportunity to see him again and to be with him, to ask questions, to pay more attention to what he was saying, to be with him for a little longer..
As Jesus is taken up out of their sight, he assures them that he will not leave them comfortless, that he will send an advocate, to guide them and to be with them. Jesus has a task for them to accomplish - the spreading of the gospel and they will need power and wisdom as they move out into the world.
These are the same gifts that Jesus gives us today if we are willing to open up our minds to the power of the Holy Spirit. He has been taken up and we no longer see him, but he is now with us at all times and in all places, inside us; ready to respond when we call on him. And that hope to which he has called us? The establishment of God's kingdom on earth and the promise of eternal life!