It is unfortunate that today, the public presence of many top government officials has been tarnished by scandals, controversies, bitter polarization, and growing public distrust. Instead of projecting statesmanship, many appear consumed by power struggles or entangled in allegations of corruption. What relevant lessons can the Ascension offer to those who hold the reins of government?

The Ascension is about presence. It is not about Jesus flying to outer space to permanently reside there. Contrary to how many Filipinos think of Him, Jesus is not “yung nasa itaas.” He is closer to us than we are to ourselves. Through His Ascension, Jesus assumed a new kind of presence that transcends the limitations imposed by His bodily existence. Even though we no longer see Him with our eyes, He is present in a far more intimate way than mere physical proximity.

To use an analogy, we may say that after His Ascension, Jesus became “online” 24/7. In today’s highly digitized world, this suggests being constantly available, always connected, always reachable. Jesus even went further. He is not merely online, as though monitoring our lives from a distance like someone scrolling through messages on a screen. Rather, He continually “puts Himself on the line.”

To put oneself on the line means risking one’s very life for the sake of the beloved. Jesus did that when He died on the Cross for us. Yet the Crucifixion was not a single heroic moment frozen in history. Instead, it revealed the enduring and sacrificial character of Christ’s love by which He gives Himself completely for our redemption.

So, even now, Christ continues to place Himself on the line in every celebration of the Holy Eucharist where Jesus makes Himself vulnerable again, entrusting Himself into human hands just as He did on the Cross. He puts himself on the line by risking rejection whenever He offers mercy to sinners, hope to the discouraged, strength to the weak, and forgiveness to those who have turned away from Him.

One lesson the Ascension can teach government leaders is this: They should measure their public presence not by being online 24/7 through media exposure or by placing themselves at the center of every controversy. Rather, they should gauge it by their willingness to put themselves on the line for their constituents, for justice, and the common good.

Many voters equate a politician’s massive media exposure with competence and qualification for public office. History, however, repeatedly teaches otherwise. Media visibility may make politicians recognizable, but it does not necessarily prove wisdom, integrity, or a genuine willingness to serve without regard for acclaim or reward.

When government leaders are willing to put themselves on the line, they govern with authority, not power. There is a big difference between the two. Authority is the moral credibility that inspires respect, trust, and loyalty. Power, by contrast, is the capacity to compel submission through position, influence, wealth, or fear.

In the past, many politicians and public servants possessed an authority that naturally commanded respect and allegiance. Today, however, political presence is often measured by the number of one’s armed escorts and bodyguards, by propaganda machinery powered by vloggers and trolls, and by the ability to dominate social media narratives.

True leadership is measured not by how many people serve you, but by how willing you are to serve others. Jesus illustrated this most powerfully at the Last Supper when He washed the feet of His disciples, an act of humility almost unimaginable for many public officials today who are obsessed with privilege and prestige. Rather than serve, they use their government position to influence voters, secure alliances, reward allies, silence critics, and preserve power through political dynasties.

As the apostles had shown after being commissioned by Jesus during the Ascension, authentic leadership requires personal witness, sacrifice, and openness to the Holy Spirit. These are qualities that no power, wealth, or popularity can ever fully replace. For sure, there are many public servants who quietly try their best to be such leaders. May their tribe increase!