The Solemnity of the Ascension of Jesus: Christ’s Glorious R

Feast Day: 40 days after Easter (Traditionally Thursday; in some places, transferred to the following Sunday)
Liturgical Color: White (Symbolizing joy, triumph, and glory)
Significance: Celebrates Jesus Christ’s Ascension into Heaven, completing His earthly mission and preparing the way for the Holy Spirit and His Second Coming.

The Solemnity of the Ascension commemorates the day Jesus physically ascended into Heaven, 40 days after His Resurrection. This moment marks the completion of His earthly mission and the beginning of the Church’s mission to spread the Gospel.

On this day, Catholics celebrate:

1. Jesus’ return to the right hand of the Father, where He reigns in glory (Mark 16:19).
2. The completion of His earthly mission, fulfilling God’s plan of salvation.
3. The promise of the Holy Spirit, which Jesus tells His disciples to await (Acts 1:8).
4. The beginning of the Church’s mission, as Jesus commands His apostles to preach to all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).
5. The hope of His Second Coming, when He will return in glory (Acts 1:11).

The Ascension reminds us that Jesus is still present with us, guiding His Church through the Holy Spirit until He comes again.

"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

• This is known as the Great Commission, where Jesus sends His disciples to evangelize the world.
• He promises to remain spiritually present with His Church forever.

"And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes and said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.’"

• Jesus ascends bodily into Heaven, fulfilling His divine mission.
• The angels announce His Second Coming, reminding us to live in expectation of Christ’s return.

"So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God."

• Jesus now reigns as King and Lord over all creation.
• He continues to intercede for us before the Father (Hebrews 7:25).

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

• Before ascending, Jesus tells His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit, which will empower them to spread the Gospel.
• This promise is fulfilled at Pentecost, ten days later.

The Ascension of Jesus is a key moment in salvation history:

1. Jesus Enters into His Heavenly Glory – The Ascension is not an absence, but a new presence, as Jesus now reigns from Heaven.
2. Christ Prepares a Place for Us – Jesus ascends to prepare a place for us in the Father’s house (John 14:2-3).
3. The Church’s Mission Begins – With Jesus no longer physically present, the Church is now His Body on Earth, spreading His message.
4. The Promise of the Holy Spirit – Jesus ascends so that He may send the Holy Spirit, guiding the Church in truth.
5. The Hope of the Second Coming – The Ascension reminds us that Jesus will return, calling us to be ready.

• 1st Century: The Ascension was part of the earliest Christian teachings, as seen in the Creed (He ascended into Heaven).
• 4th Century: St. Augustine and other Church Fathers emphasize the Ascension as a distinct feast.
• 6th Century: The Ascension is widely celebrated 40 days after Easter.
• Today: Some regions celebrate the Ascension on Thursday (40 days after Easter), while others transfer it to Sunday for wider participation.

• The Gloria and Alleluia are sung with joy, celebrating Christ’s victory.
• The Gospel reading recalls Jesus’ final words and His commission to evangelize the world.

• In some places, processions are held to symbolize Christ’s journey to Heaven.
• At the conclusion of Mass, the Paschal Candle (symbolizing the Risen Christ) is sometimes extinguished, signifying Jesus’ departure.

• The Church prays for the return of Christ, as He promised in Acts 1:11.
• The Regina Caeli (Queen of Heaven) is traditionally prayed instead of the Angelus during the Easter season.

• Catholics begin the first novena, praying for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, just as the apostles did before Pentecost.

• Attend Mass and reflect on the great mission Jesus has given us.
• Read Acts 1:6-11, contemplating the meaning of the Ascension.
• Pray for the Holy Spirit, preparing for Pentecost.
• Renew your commitment to evangelization, sharing the Good News of Christ.
• Make an act of hope, longing for Jesus’ return in glory.

The Ascension of Jesus is a feast of hope, mission, and divine glory. Christ has returned to the Father, but He remains present in His Church and promises to come again. As we celebrate this solemnity, we are reminded of our call to preach the Gospel, live in expectation of Christ’s return, and trust in the power of the Holy Spirit to guide us.