Free Resources and Reflections
Mass Readings for the Ascension of the Lord Year C
Sunday June 1, 2025
- First Reading – Acts 1:1-11: Jesus instructed the apostles to wait for the Holy Spirit and then ascended to heaven. Two angels promised he would return the same way.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 47: Praise God with joy, for He is the great king over all the earth, reigning over the nations from His holy throne.
- Second Reading – Hebrews 9:24-28; 10:19-23: Christ entered heaven to appear before God for us, sacrificing himself once to remove sin. We should trust and approach God with sincere hearts, holding firmly to our hope.
- Alternate Second Reading – Ephesians 1:17-23: May God give you wisdom and revelation to know him better and understand the hope, inheritance, and power for believers, as seen in Christ’s resurrection and authority over all.
- Gospel – Luke 24:46-53: Jesus told his disciples that the Scriptures predicted his suffering, resurrection, and the preaching of repentance. He ascended to heaven after blessing them, and they returned joyfully to Jerusalem, continually praising God.
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.
And behold I am sending the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.
Luke 24:49
Themes for the Ascension of the Lord Year C
The Ascension of the Lord Year C celebrates Jesus’ return to heaven after His resurrection. It highlights the completion of His mission on earth and the promise of His return.
- Jesus’ Mission Fulfilled: Jesus completed His work on earth, and now He returns to the Father. The first reading from Acts shows this moment as He ascends into heaven.
- Promise of the Holy Spirit: Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to His disciples before He ascends. This is highlighted in the first reading from Acts, where He tells them they will receive power from the Holy Spirit.
- Hope of Eternal Life: Jesus’ ascension gives hope that we too will be with Him in heaven. The second reading from Hebrews speaks of Jesus entering heaven to appear before God for us.
- Confidence in Prayer: Because Jesus is in heaven, we can approach God with confidence. The second reading from Hebrews encourages us to draw near to God with a sincere heart.
- Jesus’ Return: The ascension reminds us that Jesus will come again. The first reading from Acts tells the disciples that Jesus will return in the same way He ascended.
- Mission of the Church: The disciples are called to be witnesses to the ends of the earth. This mission is given to them in the first reading from Acts before Jesus ascends.
- Worship and Joy: The disciples worshiped Jesus and were filled with joy after the ascension. The Gospel reading from Luke shows them returning to Jerusalem with great joy.
The Ascension of the Lord Year C encourages us to trust in Jesus’ promises and look forward to His return. It also reminds us of our mission to share His message with the world.
See the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section for further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions for the Ascension of the Lord Year C.
Resources for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
Sunday June 1, 2025
Superpowers Lesson Plan
In the Gospel reading for the Ascension of the Lord Year C, Jesus promises that His disciples will be “clothed with power from on high.” This power comes from the Holy Spirit, giving us courage just like the first disciples received at Pentecost. They bravely spread the Good News, even when faced with danger. We also need courage in our daily lives to stand up for others and share our faith. By asking the Holy Spirit to help us, we can find the strength to act boldly and live out our faith.
Litany of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit
The Litany of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit is a prayer asking for the Holy Spirit’s gifts to guide us in spreading the Good News with courage, trust, reverence, and wisdom. Related to the first reading for the Ascension of the Lord Year C, where Jesus tells the apostles to wait for the Holy Spirit, this litany helps us seek the Spirit’s guidance in our lives. By calling on the Holy Spirit, we ask for the strength and knowledge to live according to God’s will and share our faith boldly.
What Is the Paschal Mystery?
The Paschal Mystery is God’s plan for saving humanity through Jesus Christ’s passion, death, resurrection, and ascension. It shows that death does not have the final word. The Ascension of the Lord Year C highlights the completion of this plan as Jesus ascends to heaven. This mystery gives us hope and assures us of eternal life with God. It calls us to live in faith and share the Good News with others.
Who Lives in Your World? – Discussion and Reflection Questions
The reflection on “Who Lives in Your World?” encourages us to spread the Gospel to everyone we meet. Jesus commands us to proclaim the Good News to the whole world, as highlighted in the Gospel reading for the Ascension of the Lord Year C. This means sharing our faith beyond our comfort zones and everyday circles. We can do this through our actions, attitudes, and simple conversations. Reflecting on how we communicate our faith helps us understand the best ways to share the message of salvation with others. This Gospel reading challenges us to pray for courage and seize opportunities to spread the Gospel.
Acts of the Apostles
The first reading for the Ascension of the Lord Year C from Acts of the Apostles highlights key themes of the early Christian Church, especially the role of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit empowers and guides the apostles in spreading the Gospel. After His resurrection, Jesus spent forty days teaching His disciples about God’s kingdom. On the day of His ascension, He gathered them on the Mount of Olives, commissioning them to be His witnesses worldwide. As Jesus ascended, the disciples were filled with awe and anticipation for the Holy Spirit’s coming, marking a pivotal moment in their mission.
Psalm 47: A Joyful Call to Trust God’s Kingship
Psalm 47 praises God as the supreme ruler of all. It calls for all people to be joyful and to praise God, who rules the world with justice. In the context of the Ascension of the Lord Year C, this psalm reflects the triumph of Jesus rising above all and being exalted. The psalm acknowledges God’s holiness, far beyond our understanding, and calls for the rulers of the world to bow to Him. It expresses a desire to serve God with humility, recognizing His splendor and greatness.
Understanding the Book of Hebrews
The second reading for the Ascension of the Lord Year C from Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus is our high priest and the perfect sacrifice, eliminating the need for other sacrifices. This gives us confidence in our faith. Hebrews also teaches about faith and perseverance, reminding us that God is always with us. The book encourages community support, highlighting the importance of gathering, encouraging, and loving one another. It connects the Old and New Testaments, showing how Jesus fulfills Old Testament promises, helping us understand the Bible and God’s plan for us.
The Gospel of Luke
The Gospel of Luke is important because it gives a detailed account of Jesus’ life, teachings, and miracles, offering insights into the historical and cultural context of His ministry. For the Ascension of the Lord Year C, Luke’s Gospel calls us to live out Jesus’ teachings by caring for the marginalized, advocating for social justice, and working towards the common good. By embodying these teachings, we help create a more just and compassionate society, following Jesus’ example and message. The Gospel for the Ascension reminds us of our mission to continue His work on earth.
Homilies and Reflections for the Ascension of the Lord Year C
Sunday June 1, 2025
Empowered Witnesses
In Jeff Cavins’ reflection for Ascension of the Lord Year C, he discusses Jesus’ command to His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit’s power before witnessing to all nations. This power, given at Pentecost, prepares believers to be true witnesses of Christ. Cavins connects this to our Confirmation, where the Holy Spirit completes our baptism and strengthens us to defend and live out our faith. He emphasizes that Confirmation is not just a past event but a continual source of strength. The disciples’ joy after Jesus’ ascension reflects their anticipation of receiving this empowering Spirit.
The Ascension of the Lord
In Bishop Robert Barron’s homily for Ascension of the Lord Year C, he explains that Jesus’ ascension is not a physical journey into the sky but a passage into the dimension of God’s life. This event signifies that our human nature is elevated to share in God’s way of being. The Ascension opens us to the hope of transcending our limitations. The disciples’ joy and worship after Jesus’ ascension reflect this profound realization. Bishop Barron emphasizes that by focusing on heaven, we are inspired to transform our world, following the example of leaders like Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.
The Good News
In Scott Hahn’s reflection for Ascension of the Lord Year C, he explains that Jesus’ work didn’t end with His resurrection. He is the high priest who ascended to the heavenly Jerusalem to intercede for us. This event leads to Pentecost and the arrival of the Holy Spirit, completing our salvation and adopting us as God’s children. The Apostles are sent to spread this good news to all nations, a mission we continue today. The reflection connects Jesus’ ascension to the fulfillment of God’s plan for humanity, marked by our baptism and enlightenment in the faith.
More Thoughts for the Ascension of the Lord Year C
The Ascension of the Lord Year C celebrates Jesus’ return to heaven after completing His mission on earth. This event provides us with hope, joy, and a renewed sense of purpose. These reflections explore the hope of heaven, the joy found in Jesus’ promises, and the mission we are called to continue.
Hope of Heaven
Jesus’ ascension gives us hope that we will be with Him in heaven. The second reading from Hebrews talks about Jesus entering heaven to appear before God for us. This is a promise that we, too, can share in this eternal life.
The Ascension of the Lord Year C reminds us that Jesus completed His mission on earth and now prepares a place for us with God. This event shows us that our true home is in heaven. We are called to live in a way that reflects this hope and prepares us for eternal life with Him.
Knowing that Jesus is in heaven, interceding for us, gives us confidence in our faith. The second reading from Hebrews encourages us to approach God with trust and sincerity, knowing Jesus is there for us. This motivates us to live according to His teachings and strive to be close to Him.
The Ascension of the Lord Year C is a time to reflect on our own journey to heaven. It inspires us to stay faithful and share this hope with others. We are reminded that our mission is to spread the Good News and live as witnesses to Jesus’ love and promises.
Finding Joy
The disciples worshiped Jesus and were filled with joy after the ascension. The Gospel reading from Luke shows them returning to Jerusalem with great joy. This joy came from knowing that Jesus completed His mission and promised to send the Holy Spirit.
In our own lives, we can find joy in the promise of Jesus’ presence with us through the Holy Spirit. The Ascension of the Lord Year C reminds us that Jesus is always with us, even if we cannot see Him. This assurance brings comfort and happiness, knowing we are never alone.
The disciples’ joy also came from their trust in Jesus’ words. They believed He would return and take them to heaven. This hope can fill our hearts with joy too. Trusting in Jesus’ promises helps us face challenges with a positive spirit.
Lastly, the joy of the disciples inspires us to worship and praise God in our daily lives. The Ascension of the Lord Year C encourages us to celebrate our faith with enthusiasm and gratitude. When we focus on God’s love and promises, we experience true and lasting joy.
The Mission Continues
After the resurrection, Christ stopped appearing to the disciples. Now, His power works through us. We must carry on the mission of proclaiming the Good News to the world.
The Gospels all tell about the ascension of Jesus. Luke gives the most detailed account. This event is similar to the ascension of holy men like Elijah, Abraham, Moses, and Isaiah, who were taken to God’s throne through His power. The Book of Daniel also speaks of a vision where a son of man comes with the clouds of heaven to the Ancient of Days. This prophecy is fulfilled in the ascension of Jesus, as seen in Daniel and echoed by St. Stephen, the first martyr.
The ascension marks the final event of the incarnation. Jesus, who came to us through the Holy Spirit, now returns to God. In His final words, He promises the Holy Spirit to the disciples. This power, which brought the incarnation to Mary, now empowers the disciples to spread Jesus’ message. Through Christ, we all hope to be with God one day. The ascension reminds us that we have a mission to share the Good News and live by His teachings.
The Ascension of the Lord Year C is a powerful reminder of Jesus’ promise of heaven, the joy of His presence, and our mission to spread His message. As we reflect on these themes, let us be inspired to live our faith with hope, joy, and purpose. May we always remember that Jesus is with us and that we are called to share His love with the world.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, we thank You for Your ascension and the hope it brings us. Help us to live with joy and share Your message with others. Strengthen our faith and guide us as we follow Your teachings. Amen.
Reflection Questions for the Ascension of the Lord Year C
- How does the Ascension of the Lord Year C give you hope for eternal life?
- What does Jesus’ ascension teach you about His mission on earth?
- How can you find joy in the promise of Jesus’ presence with you through the Holy Spirit?
- In what ways can you share the Good News with others?
- How does knowing that Jesus is interceding for you in heaven affect your faith?
- What can you do to live according to Jesus’ teachings?
- How can you celebrate your faith with enthusiasm and gratitude?
- What does the promise of Jesus’ return mean to you?
- How can you stay faithful and share the hope of heaven with others?
- What steps can you take to grow closer to God and trust in His promises?
Quotes and Social Media Graphics for the Ascension of the Lord Year C
Music Suggestions for the Ascension of the Lord Year C
Sunday June 1, 2025
These music selections for the Ascension of the Lord Year C focus on themes of Jesus’ ascension, His reign as king, and the coming of the Holy Spirit. They include hymns and songs that celebrate Jesus’ victory, His eternal rule, and the joy of His followers. The selections also highlight the promise of the Holy Spirit and our mission to spread the Good News. These themes are central to the readings and remind us of the hope and strength we receive from Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
- Alleluia, Sing to Jesus
- Breathe on Me, O Breath of God
- Come, Holy Ghost
- Come Holy Spirit
- Christ Be Our Light
- God Mounts His Throne
- God Mounts His Throne to Shouts of Joy
- God, We Praise You
- Hail the Day that Sees Him Rise
- Hail, Redeemer, King Divine
- Hail Thee, Festival Day
- Here Is Our King
- Holy God, We Praise Thy Name
- Holy Spirit
- I Know That My Redeemer Lives
- I Will Rise
- Lord, You Give the Great Commission
- Open Up the Heavens
- Psalm 47: God Mounts His Throne
- Rejoice the Lord Is King
- Show Us Your Glory
- Sweet Redeemer
- The Church’s One Foundation
- The King of Kings, Christ Jesus Reigns
- We Walk by Faith
- Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones
Music directors and musicians are encouraged to explore these selections for the Ascension of the Lord Year C. Try incorporating them into your services and see how they enhance the worship experience. Share your own favorite pieces and suggestions in the comments to help create a rich and inspiring musical environment for this special celebration.
Questions and Answers for the Ascension of the Lord Year C
What date is the Ascension of the Lord Year C?
The next date is Sunday June 1, 2025.
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.
For other years see the links below:
Ascension of the Lord Year A
Ascension of the Lord Year B
What are the Mass readings for the Ascension of the Lord Year C?
The Catholic Mass readings for Sunday June 1, 2025 are:
First Reading – Acts 1:1-11: The Ascension of Jesus
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 47: God Reigns Over All
Second Reading – Hebrews 9:24-28; 10:19-23: Christ’s Unique Sacrifice
Alternate Second Reading – Ephesians 1:17-23: Wisdom and Revelation
Gospel – Luke 24:46-53: Jesus Ascends
What does it mean to be a witness for Jesus?
Being a witness means telling others about Jesus and His teachings. We share His love and message with everyone.
How can we apply the idea of Jesus as our high priest?
Jesus is our high priest who stands before God for us. We can pray with confidence, knowing Jesus is there for us.
What does it mean that Jesus ascended into heaven?
Jesus went up to heaven after His resurrection. This shows He completed His mission on earth and now reigns with God.
Why did Jesus tell the disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit?
Jesus wanted the disciples to have the Holy Spirit to guide and empower them. The Holy Spirit helps us live as Jesus taught.
How should we feel about Jesus’ promise to return?
We should feel hopeful and ready. Jesus’ return reminds us to live according to His teachings every day.
Why did the disciples feel joy after Jesus ascended?
The disciples felt joy because they trusted Jesus’ promise to send the Holy Spirit. They knew He was with God and would come again.
What is the importance of Jesus being in heaven now?
Jesus being in heaven means He is with God, interceding for us. This gives us hope and confidence in our faith.
How can the Ascension of the Lord Year C readings help us in our daily lives?
The readings remind us of Jesus’ promises and our mission to share His message. They encourage us to live with faith and hope.
Why is it important to draw near to God with a sincere heart?
Drawing near to God with a sincere heart means being honest and faithful. It helps us grow closer to Him and live according to His will.
How does the Ascension of the Lord Year C inspire our faith?
The Ascension of the Lord Year C inspires our faith by showing Jesus’ mission is complete. It reminds us to trust His promises and live as His followers.
Leave a Reply