Most of us would probably answer this question by saying that Jesus ascended into heaven.
While that is true, Scripture tells us that Christ did something else first. “He lifted up his hands and blessed them.” (Luke 24:50)
The last earthly action of Jesus before He ascended to the Father was to bless His disciples.
The detail is easy to miss because the Ascension itself is so dramatic. Christ, risen from the dead, returns to the Father in glory while the apostles stand watching. Yet Luke intentionally pauses to describe this final gesture. Jesus raises His hands in blessing over those He is leaving behind.
And then He ascends.
Blessings in Scripture are never merely symbolic or sentimental. Throughout salvation history, blessings communicate favor, protection, mission, and inheritance. Fathers bless sons. Priests bless the people. God blesses His covenant people again and again.
Christ’s final earthly act was a blessing.
He blesses the same men who fled during His Passion, struggled with doubt, argued among themselves, and repeatedly misunderstood Him. Yet Christ leaves them with uplifted hands and a blessing.
The Ascension is sometimes misunderstood as Christ “leaving” earth behind, but the Church teaches the opposite. Christ ascends not to abandon humanity, but to draw humanity into heaven itself. His blessing over the apostles becomes the beginning of the Church’s mission in the world.
And perhaps that helps explain why blessings remain so central in Catholic life.
Catholics bless themselves with holy water. Parents bless children. Priests bless homes, rosaries, medals, crosses, and the faithful themselves. The Sign of the Cross traces a blessing over the body. Again and again, the Church continues the pattern Christ Himself left behind.
The final earthly gesture of Jesus was one of protection, grace, and peace extended toward His people.
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The St. Benedict cross has long been associated with prayer, blessing, and spiritual protection within Catholic homes. Give as a gift or find yours today at The Catholic Company!
