The Ascension of the Lord Year B

Traditionally the Ascension of Our Lord was held 40 days after Easter, falling on a Thursday. However in most dioceses in the United States, the observance of the Solemnity of the Ascension is moved to the following Sunday, superseding the 7th Sunday of Easter.

• First Reading – Acts 1:1-11: Jesus, after His resurrection, instructed the apostles to await the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem, promising them power to witness globally. He then ascended into heaven, affirming His eventual return.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 47: Clap and shout joyfully for God, the supreme ruler, as He ascends His throne amid cheers and trumpets. He reigns over all nations and sits on His sacred throne.
• Alternate Second Reading – Ephesians 1:17-23: Paul prays for believers to receive wisdom and revelation to know God fully, understanding their hope, inheritance, and the immense power granted to them, the same power that raised Christ.
• Alternate Second Reading – Ephesians 4:1-13: Paul urges believers to live humbly and gently, preserving unity and peace. Christ, who descended and ascended, bestowed gifts, appointing some as church leaders to mature and unify the faithful.
• Gospel – Mark 16:15-20: Jesus commanded His disciples to spread the gospel to the world, promising salvation to believers baptized and condemnation to non-believers. He assured that miraculous signs would follow believers, including exorcising demons, speaking new languages, and healing the sick. After these instructions, Jesus ascended to heaven. The disciples faithfully preached everywhere, with Jesus confirming their words through signs.

Lectionary Reference: 58

The readings above are for lectionary cycle B. For other years see the links below:
Ascension of the Lord Year A
Ascension of the Lord Year C

The Ascension of the Lord Year B is a time to remember Jesus’ return to the Father and the mission He left for His followers. The readings highlight His promise of the Holy Spirit, the power given to believers, and the call to spread the Gospel.

• Jesus’ mission continues: Before ascending, Jesus commands His disciples to preach the Gospel to all people. This mission is passed down to every believer, calling them to share His message.
• The power of the Holy Spirit: Jesus tells His followers to wait for the Holy Spirit, who will give them strength. This power helps them spread the Gospel and perform great works in His name.
• Faith and miraculous signs: Jesus promises that those who believe in Him will do amazing things. The Gospel describes how signs will confirm the truth of His message.
• Christ as King: The second reading describes Jesus seated in power at the right hand of the Father. He is above all things and continues to rule over His people.
• The unity of believers: Paul urges the Church to live in peace and work together. Jesus’ ascension is not just about His departure but about the unity He desires among His followers.
• Hope in His return: The disciples watch Jesus ascend, but angels remind them He will come again. This promise gives hope and encourages believers to stay faithful.

The Ascension of the Lord Year B reminds believers that Jesus is not gone but still working in the world. His followers are called to live in faith, trust in the Holy Spirit, and share His message with others.

Get to Work!

Bishop Robert Barron explains that the Ascension of the Lord Year B is not about Jesus leaving but about Him taking His place in a higher realm. The disciples wonder when God’s kingdom will be fulfilled, but Jesus tells them not to focus on that. Instead, He commands them to go and spread His message. The Holy Spirit will give them power to carry out this mission. Jesus’ Ascension is not about distance but about His presence growing even stronger through His Mystical Body, which includes all believers.

Bishop Barron also describes the Ascension as both a mission and a sacrifice. Jesus, like a leader overseeing a battle, directs His Church from heaven. He gives each believer a role in spreading His message. The Ascension of the Lord Year B also reminds Catholics of the Mass, where they unite with Jesus’ eternal sacrifice. Instead of waiting for answers, believers are called to act, trust, and follow His guidance.

Our Role in God’s Plan

Jeff Cavins explains that the Ascension of the Lord Year B is not just about Jesus returning to the Father but also about the mission He gives His followers. Jesus commands His disciples to go into the world and preach the Gospel. He promises that signs will follow those who believe. The book of Acts shows that the early Church preached a simple message: God loves us, sin separates us from Him, Jesus died for our sins, and we are called to repent, be baptized, and live as His disciples.

Cavins encourages believers to share this message in their own way. The Ascension of the Lord Year B reminds everyone that faith is not only about personal belief but also about inviting others to know Jesus. The Gospel changes lives, and God confirms it with His presence. Every Christian, no matter their life story, can help spread the Good News and be part of God’s plan.

The Good News

Scott Hahn explains that the Ascension of the Lord Year B is not just about Jesus returning to heaven but also about preparing for Pentecost. Jesus, the great high priest, ascends to the heavenly temple, completing His work and making way for the Holy Spirit. His mission is not over but continues through His followers. The Responsorial Psalm and the Epistle show how this moment fulfills God’s plan. Jesus’ Ascension is a step toward the full coming of the Holy Spirit, who will empower the Church.

Scott Hahn emphasizes that the Ascension of the Lord Year B is a call to action. The disciples are commissioned to spread the Gospel to all nations. This mission continues today, as believers share the good news and invite others to faith. Jesus reigns as King, guiding His Church from heaven. The Ascension is not an ending but the beginning of the Church’s work in the world.

The Ascension of the Lord Year B is a moment of transition and mission. Jesus returns to the Father, but His work continues through His followers. He promises the Holy Spirit, gives instructions to spread the Gospel, and assures His presence. The readings encourage believers to trust in His power, live in unity, and share their faith with others.

The Promise and the Power

The Ascension of the Lord Year B is not just about Jesus returning to the Father. It is also about the promise He makes to His disciples. He tells them that the Holy Spirit will come to give them strength. This Spirit will help them spread the Gospel to all nations. Jesus’ words give them hope and prepare them for the mission ahead.

The apostles may have felt uncertain as they watched Jesus ascend. He had been their teacher and leader, and now He was leaving. But He reassured them that they would not be alone. He told them to wait for the Holy Spirit, who would guide and empower them. Their trust in His promise shows the importance of faith and patience.

This reading reminds believers that God’s plan unfolds in His time. The apostles did not rush ahead on their own. They waited for the Spirit before beginning their mission. Their obedience teaches that faith is about trusting in God’s timing, even when the path is unclear.

The Ascension of the Lord Year B also reminds believers that they are called to continue Jesus’ mission. Just as the apostles were sent out, all followers of Christ are sent to share His message. The Holy Spirit gives the strength and wisdom needed for this task. Those who trust in God’s promise will find the courage to live out their faith.

Living the Call

The second reading for the Ascension of the Lord Year B teaches about unity and humility. Paul encourages believers to live with patience and love. He reminds them that Jesus gives different gifts to His followers. These gifts are meant to build up the Church, not divide it.

Jesus’ ascension is not just about His return to heaven. It is also about His ongoing work in the world. He gives His people what they need to grow in faith. Some are called to be leaders, while others serve in different ways. Every person has a role in strengthening the Church.

This reading also speaks about peace and unity. Believers are called to work together and support one another. Arguments and divisions weaken the Church. But when people use their gifts to serve others, they help bring strength and harmony.

The Ascension of the Lord Year B shows that Jesus is not absent. He fills His Church with grace and purpose. Those who follow Him are called to live in love, humility, and faithfulness. By using the gifts He gives, they continue His mission on earth.

Following in Faith

The Gospel for the Ascension of the Lord Year B tells of Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples. He commands them to go into the world and preach the Gospel. He promises that those who believe will be saved. He also assures them that miraculous signs will follow those who have faith.

After giving these instructions, Jesus ascends to heaven. But His work does not stop. The disciples go out and begin preaching, and God works through them. He confirms their message with signs and wonders. This shows that even though Jesus is not physically present, He is still guiding and strengthening His followers.

This reading is a reminder that faith requires action. Jesus calls all believers to share His message. Spreading the Gospel is not just for a few people—it is a mission for everyone. Through words and actions, believers can show others the truth of Jesus’ love.

The Ascension of the Lord Year B is a call to trust in Jesus’ promise and follow His example. Just as the disciples went out with courage, all believers are invited to live out their faith boldly. Jesus is still at work, and He calls His followers to continue His mission in the world.

The Ascension of the Lord Year B reminds believers that Jesus is not distant but remains with them. He calls them to act, trust, and grow in faith. With the Holy Spirit’s help, they can continue His mission and bring His message to the world.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You have called us to follow You and share Your message. Give us courage to live as Your disciples. Strengthen us with the Holy Spirit so we may walk in faith, serve others, and trust in Your promises. May we always seek to do Your will. Amen.

• What does the Ascension of the Lord Year B teach about faith and trust?
• Why did Jesus tell His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit before beginning their mission?
• How can you share the message of Jesus in your daily life?
• What gifts has God given you to help build up the Church?
• How does knowing that Jesus is still present give you strength?
• Why is unity among believers important in continuing Jesus’ mission?
• What does the Ascension say about Jesus’ authority over heaven and earth?
• How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit for guidance?
• What does it mean to follow Jesus’ example in both words and actions?
• How can you grow in faith while waiting for God’s plan to unfold?

The music selections for the Ascension of the Lord Year B focus on themes of Christ’s kingship, His place in heaven, and the call to spread the Gospel. Some songs celebrate Jesus as the risen and reigning Lord, lifting up His name in praise. Others focus on the glory of His ascension, echoing the message of the psalm that speaks of God mounting His throne. There are also songs that call believers to go out and proclaim the Good News, just as Jesus commanded before ascending. Music that highlights the Holy Spirit is also fitting, as Jesus promised to send the Spirit to guide His followers.

• Alleluia, Sing to Jesus by Rowland H. Pritchard, William C. Dix, Robert E. Kreutz
• Be Lifted High by Josh Blakesley
• Breathe on Me, O Breath of God by Edwin Hatch
• Come, Holy Ghost by Catholic Music Initiative
• Come Holy Spirit by David Mares
• Christ Be Our Light by Bernadette Farrell
• Go Out Go Out by Curtis Stephan
• God Mounts His Throne by Curtis Stephan
• God Mounts His Throne to Shouts of Joy by Val Parker
• God, We Praise You by Christopher Idle
• Hail the Day that Sees Him Rise
• Hail, Redeemer, King Divine by George J. Elvey & Patrick Brennen
• Hail Thee, Festival Day by Ralph Vaughan Williams
• Here Is Our King by David Crowder Band
• Holy God, We Praise Thy Name by Michael Card
• Holy Spirit by Ken Canedo & Jesse Manibusan
• How Great Is Our God by Chris Tomlin
• I Have Decided to Follow Jesus by Jadon Lavik
• I Will Exalt You by Brooke Ligertwood
• I Will Follow by Chris Tomlin
• I Will Rise by Chris Tomlin
• Lord, You Give the Great Commission
• Open Up the Heavens by Meredith Andrews
• Psalm 47: God Mounts His Throne by Paul Inwood
• Rejoice the Lord Is King by John Darwall, Charles Wesley & Randall Debruyn
• Show Us Your Glory by Jennie Lee Riddle, Travis Ryan & Brandon Michael Collins
• Sweet Redeemer by Steve Angrisano & Sarah Hart
• The Church’s One Foundation by Samuel S. Wesley & Samuel J. Stone
• The King of Kings, Christ Jesus Reigns by Melvin Farrell SS
• The Lion and the Lamb by Bethel Music
• The Lord Has Set His Throne in Heaven
• We Walk by Faith by Marty Haugen

Music directors and musicians can use these selections to enhance worship for the Ascension of the Lord Year B. These songs help express the meaning of the feast and encourage believers to praise Jesus as Lord and follow His mission. If you have other songs that fit these themes, share them in the comments.

What does the Ascension mean?

The Ascension means that Jesus returned to heaven after completing His mission on earth. He did not leave His followers alone but promised to send the Holy Spirit to guide them.

Why is the Ascension important?

The Ascension shows that Jesus has power over heaven and earth. It reminds believers that He is still present through the Holy Spirit and continues to lead His Church.

How does the Ascension affect Christians today?

The Ascension calls Christians to share the message of Jesus with others. It also reminds them that Jesus is always with them and gives them strength through the Holy Spirit.

What is the message of the first reading for the Ascension of the Lord Year B?

The first reading tells how Jesus appeared to His followers and gave them instructions before ascending. It also speaks about the promise of the Holy Spirit, who would help them continue His mission.

Why does Jesus tell His disciples to spread the Gospel?

Jesus wants everyone to hear the message of salvation. He tells His disciples to preach, baptize, and teach so that more people can follow Him and receive eternal life.

How does the second reading for the Ascension of the Lord Year B encourage believers?

The second reading reminds believers that Jesus rules over all things. It also encourages them to trust in God’s power and to live in unity as members of His Church.

What does the Gospel for the Ascension of the Lord Year B teach about faith?

The Gospel teaches that faith is not just about belief but also about action. Jesus’ followers are sent out to share the Good News, trusting that He will be with them.

Why does Jesus promise signs for believers?

Jesus promises that those who believe will show signs of faith through their actions. These signs remind people that God is working in the world through His followers.

How can people live out the mission of Jesus today?

People can live out Jesus’ mission by being kind, forgiving, and sharing their faith with others. They can also pray, serve those in need, and be good examples of Christian living.

What does the Ascension tell us about hope?

The Ascension reminds believers that Jesus will return one day. It gives them hope that, just as Jesus was raised to heaven, they too can have eternal life with Him.