In the Maltese language, the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord is referred to as Lapsi. We also have places in Malta that bear this same name. the use of this word shows the influence of the Eastern Church in the development of the history of the Christian faith in Malta. The word ‘Lapsi’ derives from the Greek ἀνάληψις (análēpsis), which at times is used to describe this feast in the Eastern Churches. The word literally means “to be taken up,” and thus evokes the mystery of the Son’s return at the bosom of the Father.

Thus word is used only once in the New Testament, when Luke starts his narrative of Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem—which forms the core of Luke’s storyline—writes:

When the days drew near for him to be received up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.

Luke 9:51

Although using different terminology, this discourse about Jesus’ departure is also found in the last supper speeches passed on to us in John’s Gospel. Although the news of his departure causes distress to the disciples, when he appears to them risen and ascends into heaven, the disciples are filled with joy:

Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them, and was carried up into heaven. And they returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God. Luke 24:50-53

Therefore, it comes to no surprise that this is one of the traditional Maltese feasts which ended with a picnic by the sea and possible even a first swim. And Saint Leo the Great, in one of his sermons for this feast, explains the reason for rejoicing on this day because, not only Christ, but also our humanity was ‘taken up’:

And truly great and unspeakable was their cause for joy, when in the sight of the holy multitude, above the dignity of all heavenly creatures, the nature of mankind went up, to pass above the angels’ ranks and to rise beyond the archangels’ heights, and to have its uplifting limited by no elevation until, received to sit with the Eternal Father, it should be associated on the throne with his glory, to whose nature it was united in the Son.

Saint Leo the Great, Sermo de Ascensione, 2-4 (PL 54.395-396)