Like the disciples in today’s gospel, we might have wonder why Jesus had to come and go and come back and go back again. Without those tiresome travelling and terrible suffering, could he not save man? Why did he take all toils of birth, suffering, death, resurrection and ascension?

Indeed, God could have saved us in different ways beyond our imagination. However, he chose a human way by which he became man. Because the Son of God chose to share the human toils of birth, suffering and death, we humans can hope that we can become like him. His resurrection gives us the sure pledge of eternal life. And his ascension and sitting at the right side of the Father brings us constant joy because he now cares for us with his Spirit regardless of time and place.

Thus, God chose to take the human toils and sufferings because it was the easiest way for man to understand and partake and receive salvation. And the resurrection and ascension give us sure hope and joy while we have our earthly life.