‘As he blessed them, he parted from them and was taken up to heaven’

The Ascension of the Lord 

Luke 24:46-53

June 1, 2025

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, a pivotal event in the history of our salvation. 

After completing his mission on earth, Jesus ascends into heaven – not as an act of separation, but as an invitation to continue building the Kingdom of God here on earth. In his Ascension, Christ reveals to us that our ultimate goal is eternal life with the Father.

In the first reading, we witness the moment when Jesus ascends to heaven after instructing his disciples about the mission that lies ahead. He promises them the Holy Spirit as their guide and strength to bear witness to his message. The angels remind the disciples not to remain gazing at the sky but to act with faith and courage to carry forward Jesus’ work in the world. Today’s psalm is a hymn of joy and triumph, inviting us to celebrate Christ’s exaltation as king of the universe and to trust in his sovereignty over all creation.

St. Paul presents Christ exalted at the right hand of the Father, above all authority and power. Jesus is the head of the Church, and we, as his body, share in his glory and mission. This reminds us that the Ascension not only marks Christ’s glorification but also strengthens our hope in eternal life.

The Gospel of Luke recounts Jesus’ final words to his disciples before his Ascension. He reminds them that everything that has happened – his passion, death, and resurrection – was part of God’s plan. Jesus commissions them to preach repentance and the forgiveness of sins to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem, and promises them the Holy Spirit as their strength to fulfill this mission. The image of Jesus lifting his hands to bless his disciples as he ascends to heaven is deeply meaningful. It is a gesture of farewell, not marked by emptiness but by hope. 

Though Jesus ascends to heaven, he does not abandon us; rather, he entrusts us with the responsibility of continuing his work. This scene invites us to look beyond what is visible and to trust that Jesus is present in our lives in a new and transformative way.

The Gospel also calls us to be witnesses of Christ. Just as the disciples were sent to preach, we too are called to share the message of salvation with those around us. The Ascension is not a sorrowful farewell but the beginning of our mission as the Church, strengthened by the promise of the Holy Spirit.

Thus, the Ascension of the Lord teaches us that our faith is not confined to earthly things. Jesus ascends to heaven to open the way to eternity for us, but He leaves us with a clear mission: to be witnesses of his love, forgiveness and hope in the world. Today, we are invited to live with joy and confidence, knowing that Christ is with us and that his spirit guides us in our task.

How am I living out my call to be a witness of Christ’s love and truth? Do I fully trust in Jesus’ promise to always be with me? How can I open myself more to the Holy Spirit to fulfill the mission Jesus has entrusted?

Brothers and Sisters, let us not remain looking up at the sky, as the disciples did at the Ascension. Let us take action, bringing Jesus’ message to those around us. May our lives reflect the joy of knowing that Christ is always with us, guiding us through His Spirit. Let us walk together as the Church, building the Kingdom of God here on earth, with our hearts set on the eternal life he has promised us. Take courage – Christ lives and sends us to be his witnesses!