Following the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, a series of transformative events unfolded, shaping the foundation of Christian faith and the early Church. These events include the Resurrection, the Ascension, and Pentecost 1.

The Resurrection

The Resurrection of Jesus is the central tenet of Christian belief 2 3. It is the crowning truth of our faith in Christ 2. The New Testament documents establish it, and it was preached as an essential part of the Paschal mystery 2. The Resurrection is not merely a return to Jesus' previous life but a passage to a new dimension of life, opening the world to eternal life 4. It signifies a transcendent intervention of God in creation and history, with the three divine persons acting as one 5.

The Ascension

After his Resurrection, Jesus appeared to his apostles for forty days 6 7. He ascended into heaven and was seated at the right hand of the Father 6. The Ascension marks the definitive entrance of Jesus' humanity into God's heavenly domain, whence he will come again 8. Christ's Ascension should be understood as the irreversible entry of his humanity into divine glory 9.

Pentecost and the Early Church

The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost marks the beginning of the Church’s mission 10. The Holy Spirit gave them the power to fulfill it by word and deed even to the shedding of their blood 10. The Church was publicly revealed to the multitude, and the Gospel began to spread among the nations by means of preaching 11. The apostles, gathered with Mary, received the gift of the Spirit, fulfilling Jesus' promise and beginning the time of the Church 12. The Spirit's wind carried Christ's disciples to the ends of the earth, even to martyrdom, for their witness to the Gospel 12.