The Ascension of the Lord

The Ascension of the Lord marks the day Jesus Christ ascended into heaven, celebrated 40 days after Easter. In most U.S. dioceses, however, this feast is moved to the following Sunday, taking the place of the 7th Sunday of Easter. This celebration reminds us of Christ’s return to the Father and His promise to remain with us through the Holy Spirit, calling us to continue His mission on earth.

Click on the appropriate year below to see resources, themes, homilies, and more. See how to determine the correct year.

Ascension of the Lord Year A
Ascension of the Lord Year B
Ascension of the Lord Year C

Mass Readings for the Ascension of the Lord Year A

See resources, homilies, and more for the Ascension of the Lord Year A readings here.

First Reading: Acts 1:1-11 – Luke recounts the events that occurred between Jesus’ resurrection and his ascension. Jesus appeared to his disciples, gave them instructions and promises, and was taken up into heaven while they watched.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 47 – A psalm of praise and exaltation to God as the king over all the earth. It describes God ascending to his throne amidst shouts of joy and trumpet blasts, and calls on all peoples to clap their hands and sing praises to him. The psalm also highlights God’s reign over the nations and his holy throne.
Second Reading: Ephesians 1:17-23 – A prayer from Paul for the Ephesian believers, asking God to give them spiritual wisdom and knowledge so that they may understand the hope and inheritance they have in Christ. Paul also emphasizes the power of God that was revealed when Christ was raised from the dead and exalted to the highest place, above all earthly powers and authorities.
Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20 – The resurrected Jesus appears to his disciples on a mountain in Galilee. Jesus commissions his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything he has commanded.

Mass Readings for the Ascension of the Lord Year B

See resources, homilies, and more for the Ascension of the Lord Year B readings here.

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.
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 for Year B – 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.

Mass Readings for the Ascension of the Lord Year C

See resources, homilies, and more for the Ascension of the Lord Year C readings here.

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.

More Resources

Who Lives in Your World? – Discussion and Reflection Questions

Reflecting on the Ascension and Mark 16:15-20, youth are encouraged to think about spreading the Gospel “to the whole world.” Jesus’ command to go and proclaim the good news reminds us of our mission as Catholics to share our faith beyond our comfort zones. Sharing the Gospel doesn’t always mean formal preaching; it can be lived out through kindness, honesty, and integrity in daily interactions. This reading challenges us to find ways to communicate our faith, pray for courage, and seize the opportunities God provides to share the message of salvation with others.

More About Lectionary Cycles

Learn more about the difference between a Bible and a Lectionary, how the Lectionary is arranged, and translations of the Bible used at Mass.

How to Determine the Liturgical Year

The liturgical cycle is a three-year sequence of A, B, and C.

2024 is Year B
2025 is Year C
2026 is Year A
2027 is Year B
2028 is Year C
2029 is Year A
2030 is Year B
2031 is Year C
… and so on