Ascension of the Lord Year C
Sunday May 28, 2028
Mass Readings for the Ascension of the Lord Year C
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 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.
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.
Resources for the Ascension of the Lord Year C
Sunday May 28, 2028
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.
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 Commentaries for the Ascension of the Lord Year C
Sunday May 28, 2028
Canon of Scripture
In his homily for the Ascension of the Lord Year C, Fr. Mike Schmitz explains why the Church is not optional. Many people ask if something is “just from the Church” or if it’s in the Bible, as if Church teaching doesn’t matter. But Fr. Mike shows that the Bible itself points to the Church as essential. The early Christians did not have a complete Bible for centuries, but they had the Church to guide them.
Fr. Mike Schmitz shares that it was the Catholic Church, led by the Holy Spirit, that decided which books belong in the Bible. He also reminds us that the Bible does not teach “Bible alone” but teaches both Scripture and Tradition. In 1 Timothy 3:15, the Bible says the Church is the pillar and foundation of truth. Jesus gave us the Bible through the Church, and He promised the Holy Spirit would guide the Church into all truth. We need both the Bible and the Church.
The Promise of Power and Witness
The Ascension of the Lord Year C brings together two parts of Luke’s writing: the gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. Both tell of Jesus returning to the Father and preparing his followers for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Luke shows that Jesus’ life and teachings fulfill the words of the Old Testament. His suffering, death, and resurrection were part of God’s plan.
Fr. Greg Friedman explains that Luke connects the end of his gospel with the beginning of Acts. The disciples are told to wait for the Spirit, the promise of the Father. This gift will help them live out their mission. Like the first followers, we are called to be witnesses of Christ. The Spirit still empowers the Church, and Jesus remains present in the community of believers.
Jesus Is Praying for You
Jesus blesses his disciples before ascending into heaven. This moment fills them with joy, and they return to Jerusalem praising God. His blessing changes them. The reflection asks us to think about how often we resist God’s blessing in our own lives by holding on to sin. Jesus wants to bless us too, but we need to be open to it.
Matthew Kelly invites us to imagine Jesus raising his hand to bless us. He shows how strange it is to reject that blessing, yet we do it often. The reflection for the 7th Sunday of Easter Year C reminds us to let go of selfishness and open our hearts to God. Kelly encourages us to stop resisting and receive the blessing Jesus offers.
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.
Reflection 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 May 28, 2028
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 by Rowland H. Pritchard, William C. Dix, Robert E. Kreutz
- 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
- 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
- I Know That My Redeemer Lives by Scott Soper
- 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
- We Walk by Faith by Marty Haugen
- Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones by John A. Riley
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 May 28, 2028.
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 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.
A Promise of Hope, Joy, and Mission
The Ascension of the Lord Year C celebrates Jesus returning to heaven after completing His mission on earth. He promised His disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit to help them carry out their mission. This event reminds us that Jesus’ work on earth was finished, but the work of His followers had just begun.
The ascension gives us hope for eternal life. Jesus prepares a place for us in heaven and intercedes for us before God. This hope calls us to live faithfully and trust in His promises. It reminds us that our true home is with Him in heaven.
The disciples’ joy after the ascension shows their trust in Jesus. They believed in His promise to send the Holy Spirit and in His return. Their example reminds us to find joy in God’s presence, even when life is hard. Trusting in Jesus gives us peace and confidence.
The ascension also gives us a mission. Jesus told His disciples to spread the Good News to all people. We are called to continue this mission by sharing our faith, living out His teachings, and trusting the Holy Spirit to guide us.
Your Turn
The Ascension of the Lord Year C reminds us of Jesus’ promises, joy, and mission. Take time to reflect on the readings from Acts, Hebrews, and Luke. What stands out to you? How does the ascension inspire you to live your faith?
Share your thoughts in the comments. Have you felt joy in trusting Jesus’ promises? How can you share the Good News with others in your life? Your reflections might encourage someone else to grow in their faith.
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