What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended into the lower regions of the earth? This thought of St. Paul is echoed in the Apostles’ Creed: “He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell…” The truth that underlies these statements is that Jesus is the savior of the world. Even those who lived before he came needed the salvation he won for us on the cross. The image of “descending” then is metaphorical way of expressing that Jesus greeted Abraham, Moses, King David, the prophets all the way back to Adam and Eve on the other side of death and led them in glorious procession into heaven. That same image can help us understand how Jesus is a universal savior even for those who do not know him today. On the other side of death Jesus’ love and grace permeates everywhere and in everyone.
