WITH YOU ALWAYS

Sometimes we imagine heaven as far away. When we pray, “Our Father, who art in heaven,” or hear that Jesus ascended into heaven, we may picture God as distant, beyond our reach. But today, as we celebrate the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Church reminds us of a beautiful truth: Christ rises to the Father, yet remains close to His people.

Forty days after His glorious Resurrection, the disciples watched Him ascend into heaven. Before He went up, He gave them a promise that would carry them through every season of life: “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

These were His parting words, His final assurance before ascending to Heaven. Think about the beauty of that promise. The Ascension was Christ’s entrance into a deeper, greater, and eternal presence with us. The Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, promised to be by our side every moment of every day.

Christ reigns in heaven, and He walks with us on earth. He is above all things, and still near to every heart that calls upon His name. This is the mystery and comfort of our faith: the Lord who sits at the right hand of the Father is the same Lord who stands beside you in your struggles, listens to your prayers, strengthens you in your weakness, and fills your heart with peace when life feels uncertain.

Maybe today you feel alone, carrying a burden no one else can see. Maybe decisions, worries, grief, or unanswered questions make the road ahead feel heavy. The Ascension reminds you that you are never walking by yourself. Christ is always with you. He is with you when the door closes, when the answer is delayed, when your heart is tired, and when you do not know what tomorrow will bring.

And because Christ is with you, hope is never out of reach. Fear will not have the final word. Anxiety will not define your life. The enemy will not defeat your spirit. You may not yet understand what God is doing, but you can trust who is walking with you. The Ascended Lord is not far away. He is with you today, tomorrow, and always, to the end of the age.

Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan
May 14, 2026