On Sunday we observe the Ascension of the Lord, recalling that bit of the Creed where we affirm that Christ “ascended into heaven.” This does not mean that Christ has retreated to his heavenly home and we stand idly by hoping one day to follow him there. Rather, the ascension means that the risen Christ is now present everywhere, and earth and heaven “overlap and interlock”. This is why Jesus taught us to pray for God’s Kingdom or reign to come on earth as it is in heaven. It is to the hope of heaven coming on earth - of all Creation being renewed, restored, and made whole - that we, the Church, are called to bear witness to in how we live, love, and serve.