In this episode of "UNFKD," Jude explores The Ascension. The discussion covers its historical and theological aspects, including its celebration in Catholic and Anglican traditions, and its (sometimes rather amusing) depiction in art. Jude then shares one of her sermons on the Ascension in which she explores the meaning of Jesus being taken "up" into heaven, wondering if heaven is a physical place above the clouds or a spiritual realm beyond our human understanding. Ending with some words from the late Pope Francis on how the Ascension encourages us to seek Christ in our daily lives and serve others with hope and love.

Resources

Reading from from the Acts of the Apostles 1: 11 (NRSV)

Text of "The Cloud of Unknowing https://sacred-texts.com/chr/cou/index.htm

Homily on the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord -  from Pope Francis (2018) https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/angelus/2018/documents/papa-francesco_regina-coeli_20180513.html

Very comprehensive Wikipedia entry on the Ascension https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ascension_of_Jesus

Ascension in the Vatican News https://www.vaticannews.va/en/liturgical-holidays/solemnity-of-the-ascension-of-the-lord.html

Ascension resources from Loyola Press https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/sunday-connection/ascension-of-the-lord-cycle-c/

Music “Better Day” and “Nebula” by Penguin Music on Pixabay https://pixabay.com/users/penguinmusic-24940186/

“echoes-of-heaven-meditation-186652” by Natures Eye on Pixabay https://pixabay.com/users/natureseye-18615106/