This sermon is placed before the preceding one in the Turin codex, in which it is the tenth of those inscribed On the Ascension. We have preferred to follow the Muratorian order, so that it may plainly correspond to the Ambrosian codex, from which this same sermon was copied. The festivity of this day, most dear brethren, the mystery of the Lord's Ascension has established for us, that we who rejoice that the Only-begotten of God came to earth for the redemption of all may be glad that he has entered heaven for our eternity: for this is the truth of the saving faith, that we should not deny the glory of him whose passion we believe. Nor indeed is it a matter of great miracle that he returns to heaven who came from heaven, but that he carried up to the Father the man whom he took from earth. The most blessed David says:
'Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth exult' (Psalm 95); which he sang, there is no doubt, concerning the sacrament of Christ: for the earth exults, which sees its Redeemer reigning in the heavens; heaven rejoices, because it both did not lose its God, whom it had, and received man, whom it did not have. Earth rejoices that the Son of God descended from heaven, but no less does heaven exult that the Son of man ascended from earth. 'He sat,' he says, 'at the right hand of the Father.' How necessary it was, most beloved, that the flesh of man, which had long been captive under the dominion of sin, should there receive the liberty of living, whither guilt cannot pass!
The Savior therefore ascended to the Father, both that he himself might obtain the empire due to him, and that the hope of the promised eternity might remain undiminished for us. Nor is there any doubt to be entertained, brethren, about this ascent of the Lord whom we preach. For if Elijah, once God's servant, on account of the merits of his chastity and faith, was lifted up as far as heaven by a fiery chariot and horses of fire, why should we not believe with all devotion that our Christ, who is both the Word and the will of the eternal Father, was able to go above the heavens? Of him indeed it was said through the Holy Spirit: 'Kingdoms of the earth, sing to the Lord, who ascended above the heaven of heavens toward the east' (Psalm 67); and again: 'The Lord has prepared his throne in heaven, and his kingdom shall rule over all' (Psalm 102:19); and elsewhere:
'The Lord has ascended above the heavens, and he thunders.' Or how could he not be received into heaven, who was calling the human race to the assembly? Let us therefore exult, dearly beloved, and rejoice, because we know our Redeemer to be there, whence he can both look upon and govern all things, and because he has there placed man, rescued from the underworld, where no tree of the knowledge of good and evil holds out its deadly fruits, but the fullness of saving and simple goodness dwells.