The Ascension of Our Lord

The Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord is traditionally celebrated on the Thursday, the 40th day of Easter. In the Novus Ordo calendar, it is moved to Sunday to allow more Catholics to celebrate this Solemnity, which is a Holy Day of Obligation. 

Christ, the God/Man ascends into heaven after having spent time with the disciples as the Risen Lord. He took our human nature united with His divine nature into heaven for all eternity, paving the way for us to follow. He went to prepare a place for us (John 14:2-3).  Jesus now sits at the right hand of the Father, and we are promised eternal reunion with Him, if we but stay the course.

Jesus also sent His Holy Spirit, the Paraclete. He told the disciples, if I do not go, the Paraclete will not come (John 16:7). The Holy Spirit empowers us to witness for Christ, counsels us, comforts us, and guides and assists us in completing the race. We must live on earth with our eyes fixed on heaven, in faith, humbly and prayerfully, giving Christ our hearts. In this life we will have trouble, but we are not to fear, for Jesus has conquered the world (John 16:33).

This year the Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord is May 14th and Ascension Sunday is May 17th.