Ascension Thursday (May 14, 2026) is a very significant Christian feast celebrated forty days after Easter. It commemorates the moment when Jesus Christ ascended into heaven before his disciples, marking the completion of his earthly mission and the beginning of the Church’s role in spreading the Gospel. Scripture teaches that after his resurrection, Jesus spent forty days with his followers before being taken up into heaven, where he now reigns at the right hand of the Father. Let’s look at the readings and their meanings.
Gospel Text – Matthew 28:16-20
The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, until the end of the age.”
First Reading – Acts 1:1-11 – An End and A Beginning
The first reading from Acts provides the most detailed account of the Ascension. In this passage, Jesus instructs his disciples to remain in Jerusalem and wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit. He tells them they will become his witnesses to the ends of the earth.
This reading emphasizes that the Ascension is not just an end (Jesus’ earthly ministry) but a beginning of His heavenly reign. While the disciples initially expect an earthly kingdom, Jesus redirects them toward a universal mission. It highlights trust in God’s plan and the importance of the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to continue Christ’s work.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9 – God’s Kingship
Psalm 47 celebrates God’s kingship and victory. It proclaims with joy, “God mounts his throne to shouts of joy.” In the context of Ascension Thursday, this psalm reflects the glorification of Christ as he ascends into heaven. It invites believers to rejoice in God’s sovereignty and recognize Jesus as Lord over all creation.
Second Reading – Ephesians 1:17-23 – Christ at the Right Hand of God
The second reading reveals the deeper meaning of the Ascension. It teaches that Christ is seated at the right hand of God, above all powers and authorities. This shows that Jesus’ ascension is not simply a departure but an exaltation. From heaven, Christ continues to guide and intercede for the Church, offering believers strength and hope.
Gospel Reading – Matthew 28:16-20 – Jesus’ Ascension into Heaven
The Gospel describes Jesus’ final blessing and ascension into heaven. Before departing, he commissions his disciples to preach repentance and forgiveness to all nations. The disciples respond with joy, recognizing that Jesus’ departure is part of God’s plan. This reading highlights both mission and hope, the mission to proclaim the Gospel and the hope of Christ’s continued presence.
The Catholic View
Ascension Thursday marks both an ending and a beginning. It completes Jesus’ earthly ministry while inaugurating the mission of the Church. Jesus tells the disciples they will be “clothed with power from on high,” pointing to the coming of the Holy Spirit. This promise gives them confidence and hope for their future mission. The readings emphasize faith, joy, and responsibility, reminding believers that Christ reigns in heaven and continues to guide his followers. The Ascension is described as a moment of blessing, worship, joy, and expectation—“a transition…into mission, prayer, and hope.”
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Peace
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