The Ascension of the Lord is not simply an event to be placed in the past, as though it were the last scene of a story now concluded. It belongs to the mystery of Christ – a mystery still unfolding, still alive in the life of the Church. It is the final movement of the Resurrection, and therefore an Easter event, radiant with promise.
We understand this more clearly when we remember that Jesus Christ is not merely an historical figure. History preserves the memory of many such figures. Julius Caesar, for example, left behind writings, victories, and the vast legacy of an empire. Yet all such figures remain within the past.
Christ does not.
The Son of God entered history, but he is not confined by it. His word is handed on in Sacred Scripture. His saving work is proclaimed in the tradition of the Church. But he himself is not memory. He is presence – living and active – dwelling even now within those who have been baptized into his life.
Thus, the Ascension is not a departure into absence, but a transformation of presence.
The Lord who once walked among his disciples in visible form now entrusts his abiding presence to the Body that is his Church. No longer bound to one place or time, he is present wherever his Gospel is proclaimed, wherever his sacraments are celebrated, and wherever his people bear witness in his name.
The First Reading from the Acts of the Apostles reveals both promise and mission. As the Lord is lifted up before their eyes, he assures his disciples that they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them, and that they will be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. And then he is taken from their sight.
The disciples stand gazing upward, caught between wonder and uncertainty. But the messengers in white interrupt their stillness: “Why are you standing there looking at the sky?
The question turns them outward. The moment of watching has passed. The time of witness has begun.
The Gospel according to Matthew makes this mission unmistakably clear: Go, make disciples of all nations, baptize, and teach. Yet this command is inseparable from the promise that sustains it: “I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Here is the great paradox of the Ascension: The Lord is taken from their sight, yet he is more present than ever before.
He lives now in the witness of his people.
He speaks in the voice of his Church.
He acts through the quiet courage of those who carry his name into the world.
And because this mission exceeds our strength, he does not leave us alone. The Ascension opens the way for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who will come at Pentecost – not to replace Christ, but to deepen his presence within us.
So we do not remain looking upward.
We go.
We teach.
We become what we proclaim.
Christ ascends – and the Church becomes his presence.
Ascension Vigil Entrance Antiphon You Kingdoms of the Earth, Sing to God (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #104
There are two Entrance Antiphons today: one for the Vigil Mass and one for Mass during the Day. There are also two dates for the celebration of the Ascension. Please consult with your pastor or your Office of Worship if you have a question on when this solemnity is celebrated in your pastoral region.
Ascension Entrance Antiphon Men of Galilee, Why Gaze in Wonder at the Heavens? (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #106
The antiphon for Mass during the Day references the pointed question of the messengers in the First Reading from Acts of the Apostles.
Entrance Chant Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise (Traditional; arr. by Trevor Thomson)
Spirit & Song #188; Breaking Bread #198
This is the classic song for the Ascension. Trevor Thomson’s arrangement respects the original hymn tune while making it accessible for guitar.
Blessing and Sprinkling of Water Come to the River (Bob Hurd)
Spirit and Song #51; Never Too Young #241; Breaking Bread #656
We’re still in the Easter season so the Rite of Sprinkling continues to be an appropriate option in place of the Penitential Act. Bob Hurd sings of our call as priestly people, sent by the Holy Spirit to bring the Good News to the world.
Responsorial Psalm God Mounts His Throne to Shouts of Joy (Josh Blakesley)
Spirit & Psalm 2026: p. 192
Psalm 47 is a joyful hymn that acclaims God’s reign over the nations of the world. Its use during the Ascension celebrates Christ’s authority, and Josh Blakesley’s verbatim setting captures that majesty.
Gospel Acclamation Alleluia: Mass of Restoration (Josh Blakesley and Leland G. “Grae” McCullough, IV)
Spirit & Psalm 2026: p. 194
This acclamation verse helps us to focus on the central teaching of today’s Gospel.
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts One Sacrifice of Christ (Robert Feduccia and Rick Modlin)
Spirit & Song #189; Breaking Bread #197
Robert Feduccia and Rick Modlin collaborated on this hymn for the Ascension. Notice how the text references the images of the First Reading from Acts.
Ascension Vigil Communion Antiphon Christ, Offering a Single Sacrifice for Sins (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #105
Once again, there are two separate Communion antiphons for this solemnity.
Ascension Communion Antiphon I Behold, I Am with You Always (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #107
This antiphon text from today’s Gospel gives us hope that the Lord is truly with us as we carry out his ministry of compassion and mercy.
Communion Chant I Have Been Anointed (Steven C. Warner)
Breaking Bread #493
Have you sung this hidden gem yet from the Breaking Bread repertoire? Appropriate for the Ascension, it celebrates the joy and promise of discipleship.
Sending Forth Go Out, Go Out (Curtis Stephan)
Spirit & Song #212; Breaking Bread #387
A true “Sending” song that fires up our call to bring the Good News to the nations.
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