The Ascension of the Lord

by Peggy Colf, Executive Assistant  |  05/17/2026  |  This Sunday's Reading

Today we celebrate the return of Jesus to the Father in heaven as He completes His mission here on earth and leaves His followers with a task to continue His work. Jesus is no longer physically present with His people, but He will be with them through the Holy Spirit.

When we listen to the readings, we hear talk about the Trinity. Jesus says that all power in heaven and on earth has been given to Him and that He is more than a teacher or prophet, but that He is the ruler of all creation. So, we hear this week about God the Father, the Creator; God the Son; and God the Holy Spirit — three Persons in one God.

Just like the disciples, we too must follow what God commands: to baptize and teach people everything Jesus has taught. I wonder if the disciples thought to themselves, “OK God, what is next?” So much has happened to them since Jesus first called them to come follow Him. They listened to Him preach and saw how the people were amazed at what He said. They witnessed His many miracles on those that believed in Him. They saw how the people turned against Him, scourging and putting Him to death. Then they rejoiced in His resurrection and His remaining with them for a while, but today we read that Jesus was leaving them once again. How strong their faith must have been to know and believe in the promise that Jesus would always be with them through the Holy Spirit. Remember, they have yet to experience the Holy Spirit, and until the Holy Spirit comes, they need to prepare themselves to go out and teach and take care of the Church just like Jesus taught them. Remember, heaven is not just a place above the clouds, but it is the act of being fully united with God in love and joy. Jesus shows us that we, the believers, are called to this life with God. Don’t forget — next week wear RED and help welcome the Holy Spirit.