Collect Series: Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord.

 Collect Series

The Mass: Collect series icon

Collect Series

Solemnity of the Ascension of Jesus into Heaven

 

COLLECT

 

Gladden us with holy joys, almighty God,

and make us rejoice with devout thanksgiving,

for the Ascension of Christ Your Son is our exaltation,

and, where the head has gone before in glory,

the Body is called to follow in hope.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ Your Son,

Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,

One God for ever and ever.

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1.    What does the Ascension of Christ into Heaven mean to me?

2.    What does holy joys mean to me and how do I express it in my life?

3.    Ponder my attitudes and thoughts about my own death in the light of ‘the body (insert my name) is called to follow in hope?

4.    What areas of my life still need to follow Him into the new creation?

5.    How will I go out to all the world and tell the good news in my life this coming week?

6.    How will I prepare for the Solemnity of Pentecost this coming week?

 

GOSPEL REFLECTION

In the Gospel of Gospel of Matthew 28:16–20, we stand with the disciples on the mountain in Galilee as they encounter the risen Christ for the final time in Matthew’s Gospel. It is a passage filled with majesty, mission, and deep humanity.

Matthew tells us:

“When they saw him they worshipped him; but some hesitated.”

Some translations render the final word as “doubted,” while others translate it as “hesitated.” Both capture part of the meaning of the original Greek, but “hesitated” often gives a richer sense of what is happening spiritually in this moment.

The disciples are not necessarily rejecting Jesus or refusing belief. Rather, they seem overwhelmed by the enormity of what they are witnessing. They stand before the risen Christ in worship, yet at the same time struggle to fully take in the reality before them. Their faith is mingled with awe, uncertainty, and trembling.

That detail is profoundly consoling because it reveals something deeply human about discipleship. Faith is not always instant clarity or emotional certainty. Sometimes faith contains hesitation. Sometimes we stand before God wanting to believe fully, yet still feeling overwhelmed, fearful, or unsure how to move forward.

It is interesting to note that unlike the transfiguration which occurred on Mount Tabor, the Ascension occurred on the Mount of Olives. If we recall Jesus in the  garden there, He asks for the cup to be taken away, but not my will, but yours be done.
When we listen to this gospel on the Asension, Jesus has accomplished the mission. He remained faithful and is now ready to return to His Father.

Throughout Scripture, people often respond this way when confronted by the presence of God. Moses hesitates before the burning bush. Isaiah becomes painfully aware of his unworthiness in the temple vision. Peter falls before Jesus after the miraculous catch of fish. Divine encounters have a way of exposing both worship and trembling at the same time.

What is striking in this Gospel is that Jesus does not rebuke the disciples for their hesitation. He does not withdraw the mission until they become perfect in faith. Instead, He draws near and entrusts them with the future of the Gospel.

Jesus begins with a declaration of authority:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

The risen Christ now speaks not simply as teacher, but as Lord of heaven and earth. The mission that follows rests not on human strength or confidence, but on His authority.

Then comes the great commission:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”

Jesus does not simply tell the disciples to gather followers or spread information. He calls them to make disciples — people whose lives are gradually shaped by relationship with Him. The Gospel is not merely something to know intellectually; it is something to live.

The mission extends to “all nations,” revealing the universal scope of God’s love. The message of Christ is not confined to one people or culture. Every human person is invited into communion with God.

Jesus then commands them to baptize:

“in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Here we hear one of the clearest Trinitarian formulas in Scripture. Through baptism, believers are drawn into the life of the Trinity itself. Christianity is ultimately about relationship — being immersed into the love and life of God.

Discipleship involves more than baptism alone. Jesus continues:

“teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.”

Faith must take shape in daily living: mercy, forgiveness, truthfulness, prayer, compassion, perseverance, humility, and love. The Christian life is a lifelong process of being formed by Christ.

Finally comes the promise that carries the entire mission:

“And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew’s Gospel began with the title Emmanuel — “God with us.” It ends with the same assurance. Jesus ascends, yet He remains present with His people.

This promise becomes even more beautiful when we remember the disciples’ hesitation. Christ promises His presence not only to the fearless and certain, but also to those whose faith is still trembling and growing.

That is perhaps the heart of this Gospel passage. The disciples worshipped, yet some hesitated. Still, Jesus called them. Still, Jesus entrusted them with His mission. Still, Jesus promised to remain with them always.

Perhaps that gives hope to us as well. We may sometimes stand between faith and hesitation, between confidence and uncertainty. Yet Christ continues to call ordinary people, imperfect people, hesitant people — and to walk with them every step of the way.

What time did Jesus Ascend to Heaven?

Many people have wondered this question. However, the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles do not give a clock time for the Ascension of Jesus.

The main account is in the Acts of the Apostles, where Saint Luke says that Jesus appeared to the disciples over a period of forty days after the Resurrection and then was “lifted up” before them (Acts 1:1–11). The event is described theologically and symbolically rather than with chronological detail.

Christian tradition generally places the Ascension on the fortieth day after Easter — celebrated as the Ascension Day — but there is no preserved tradition saying it happened at 9 am, noon, sunset, or any other exact hour.

Some artists and devotional writers imagine it happening during daylight because the disciples clearly witnessed it outdoors on the Mount of Olives, but that is interpretation rather than stated fact from the Scriptures itself.

The Gospel of Gospel of Matthew 28:16–20 brings us to one of the most important moments in the whole of Scripture: the risen Jesus gathers His disciples on the mountain in Galilee and entrusts them with the mission of continuing His work in the world.

At first glance, the passage seems triumphant and clear. Jesus has risen. The disciples meet Him. He commissions them. But Matthew includes one small and deeply human line:

“When they saw him they worshipped him; but some doubted.”

That single sentence is profoundly consoling. Even standing before the risen Christ, some still struggled. Faith was not instant perfection. The disciples were still learning how to trust what they could hardly comprehend. Matthew does not hide their weakness because discipleship has never depended on flawless certainty. It depends on continuing to come toward Christ, even when our hearts tremble.

The setting matters too. Jesus calls them to a mountain. In Matthew’s Gospel, mountains are places of revelation: the Sermon on the Mount, the Transfiguration, moments where heaven and earth seem to meet. Now, on this final mountain, Jesus reveals not simply teaching, but mission. The disciples are no longer only followers; they are now sent.

Jesus begins with authority:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

This is not the language of domination but of divine sovereignty. The crucified and risen Christ now reigns over all creation. The One who sends the disciples is not merely a wise teacher from history. He is Lord of heaven and earth. The mission of the Church rests not on human strength, popularity, or success, but on the authority of Christ Himself.

Then comes the great commission:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”

Notice that Jesus does not say simply “gather followers” or “win arguments.” He says: make disciples. A disciple is someone who learns to live in relationship with Christ, someone gradually shaped by His mind, His mercy, His truth, and His love. Christianity is not merely information about Jesus; it is transformation through Him.

The command reaches “all nations.” Matthew’s Gospel began with a genealogy rooted in Israel, but it ends with the horizon widened to the whole world. The Gospel is not confined to one people, culture, language, or background. The heart of God is universal. Every human person is invited into communion with Him.

Jesus then speaks of baptism:

“baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Here we hear one of the clearest Trinitarian formulas in Scripture. The Christian life begins by being drawn into the very life of God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Baptism is not simply a ceremony or symbolic welcome; it is participation in divine life. We are immersed into relationship with the living God.

But the mission does not end at baptism. Jesus continues:

“teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.”

Christian faith is not reduced to inspiration or emotion. It involves formation, conversion, and daily obedience. The disciple learns slowly how to live the Gospel in ordinary life: forgiveness, mercy, justice, humility, prayer, truthfulness, compassion, perseverance. The Christian journey is lifelong.

Finally comes one of the most beautiful promises in the Gospel:

“And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew’s Gospel began with the title Emmanuel — “God with us.” It now ends with the same truth. Jesus ascends, yet He does not abandon His people. His presence continues in the Church, in Scripture, in the Eucharist, in prayer, and in the quiet moments where grace sustains us.

Collect Series

Solemnity of the Ascension of Jesus into Heaven

 

COLLECT

 

Gladden us with holy joys, almighty God,

and make us rejoice with devout thanksgiving,

for the Ascension of Christ Your Son is our exaltation,

and, where the head has gone before in glory,

the Body is called to follow in hope.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ Your Son,

Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,

One God for ever and ever.

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1.    What does the Ascension of Christ into Heaven mean to me?

2.    What does holy joys mean to me and how do I express it in my life?

3.    Ponder my attitudes and thoughts about my own death in the light of ‘the body (insert my name) is called to follow in hope?

4.    What areas of my life still need to follow Him into the new creation?

5.    How will I go out to all the world and tell the good news in my life this coming week?

6.    How will I prepare for the Solemnity of Pentecost this coming week?

 

GOSPEL REFLECTION

In the Gospel of Gospel of Matthew 28:16–20, we stand with the disciples on the mountain in Galilee as they encounter the risen Christ for the final time in Matthew’s Gospel. It is a passage filled with majesty, mission, and deep humanity.

Matthew tells us:

“When they saw him they worshipped him; but some hesitated.”

Some translations render the final word as “doubted,” while others translate it as “hesitated.” Both capture part of the meaning of the original Greek, but “hesitated” often gives a richer sense of what is happening spiritually in this moment.

The disciples are not necessarily rejecting Jesus or refusing belief. Rather, they seem overwhelmed by the enormity of what they are witnessing. They stand before the risen Christ in worship, yet at the same time struggle to fully take in the reality before them. Their faith is mingled with awe, uncertainty, and trembling.

That detail is profoundly consoling because it reveals something deeply human about discipleship. Faith is not always instant clarity or emotional certainty. Sometimes faith contains hesitation. Sometimes we stand before God wanting to believe fully, yet still feeling overwhelmed, fearful, or unsure how to move forward.

It is interesting to note that unlike the transfiguration which occurred on Mount Tabor, the Ascension occurred on the Mount of Olives. If we recall Jesus in the  garden there, He asks for the cup to be taken away, but not my will, but yours be done.
When we listen to this gospel on the Asension, Jesus has accomplished the mission. He remained faithful and is now ready to return to His Father.

Throughout Scripture, people often respond this way when confronted by the presence of God. Moses hesitates before the burning bush. Isaiah becomes painfully aware of his unworthiness in the temple vision. Peter falls before Jesus after the miraculous catch of fish. Divine encounters have a way of exposing both worship and trembling at the same time.

What is striking in this Gospel is that Jesus does not rebuke the disciples for their hesitation. He does not withdraw the mission until they become perfect in faith. Instead, He draws near and entrusts them with the future of the Gospel.

Jesus begins with a declaration of authority:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

The risen Christ now speaks not simply as teacher, but as Lord of heaven and earth. The mission that follows rests not on human strength or confidence, but on His authority.

Then comes the great commission:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”

Jesus does not simply tell the disciples to gather followers or spread information. He calls them to make disciples — people whose lives are gradually shaped by relationship with Him. The Gospel is not merely something to know intellectually; it is something to live.

The mission extends to “all nations,” revealing the universal scope of God’s love. The message of Christ is not confined to one people or culture. Every human person is invited into communion with God.

Jesus then commands them to baptize:

“in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Here we hear one of the clearest Trinitarian formulas in Scripture. Through baptism, believers are drawn into the life of the Trinity itself. Christianity is ultimately about relationship — being immersed into the love and life of God.

Discipleship involves more than baptism alone. Jesus continues:

“teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.”

Faith must take shape in daily living: mercy, forgiveness, truthfulness, prayer, compassion, perseverance, humility, and love. The Christian life is a lifelong process of being formed by Christ.

Finally comes the promise that carries the entire mission:

“And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew’s Gospel began with the title Emmanuel — “God with us.” It ends with the same assurance. Jesus ascends, yet He remains present with His people.

This promise becomes even more beautiful when we remember the disciples’ hesitation. Christ promises His presence not only to the fearless and certain, but also to those whose faith is still trembling and growing.

That is perhaps the heart of this Gospel passage. The disciples worshipped, yet some hesitated. Still, Jesus called them. Still, Jesus entrusted them with His mission. Still, Jesus promised to remain with them always.

Perhaps that gives hope to us as well. We may sometimes stand between faith and hesitation, between confidence and uncertainty. Yet Christ continues to call ordinary people, imperfect people, hesitant people — and to walk with them every step of the way.

What time did Jesus Ascend to Heaven?

Many people have wondered this question. However, the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles do not give a clock time for the Ascension of Jesus.

The main account is in the Acts of the Apostles, where Saint Luke says that Jesus appeared to the disciples over a period of forty days after the Resurrection and then was “lifted up” before them (Acts 1:1–11). The event is described theologically and symbolically rather than with chronological detail.

Christian tradition generally places the Ascension on the fortieth day after Easter — celebrated as the Ascension Day — but there is no preserved tradition saying it happened at 9 am, noon, sunset, or any other exact hour.

Some artists and devotional writers imagine it happening during daylight because the disciples clearly witnessed it outdoors on the Mount of Olives, but that is interpretation rather than stated fact from the Scriptures itself.

The Gospel of Gospel of Matthew 28:16–20 brings us to one of the most important moments in the whole of Scripture: the risen Jesus gathers His disciples on the mountain in Galilee and entrusts them with the mission of continuing His work in the world.

At first glance, the passage seems triumphant and clear. Jesus has risen. The disciples meet Him. He commissions them. But Matthew includes one small and deeply human line:

“When they saw him they worshipped him; but some doubted.”

That single sentence is profoundly consoling. Even standing before the risen Christ, some still struggled. Faith was not instant perfection. The disciples were still learning how to trust what they could hardly comprehend. Matthew does not hide their weakness because discipleship has never depended on flawless certainty. It depends on continuing to come toward Christ, even when our hearts tremble.

The setting matters too. Jesus calls them to a mountain. In Matthew’s Gospel, mountains are places of revelation: the Sermon on the Mount, the Transfiguration, moments where heaven and earth seem to meet. Now, on this final mountain, Jesus reveals not simply teaching, but mission. The disciples are no longer only followers; they are now sent.

Jesus begins with authority:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

This is not the language of domination but of divine sovereignty. The crucified and risen Christ now reigns over all creation. The One who sends the disciples is not merely a wise teacher from history. He is Lord of heaven and earth. The mission of the Church rests not on human strength, popularity, or success, but on the authority of Christ Himself.

Then comes the great commission:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”

Notice that Jesus does not say simply “gather followers” or “win arguments.” He says: make disciples. A disciple is someone who learns to live in relationship with Christ, someone gradually shaped by His mind, His mercy, His truth, and His love. Christianity is not merely information about Jesus; it is transformation through Him.

The command reaches “all nations.” Matthew’s Gospel began with a genealogy rooted in Israel, but it ends with the horizon widened to the whole world. The Gospel is not confined to one people, culture, language, or background. The heart of God is universal. Every human person is invited into communion with Him.

Jesus then speaks of baptism:

“baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Here we hear one of the clearest Trinitarian formulas in Scripture. The Christian life begins by being drawn into the very life of God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Baptism is not simply a ceremony or symbolic welcome; it is participation in divine life. We are immersed into relationship with the living God.

But the mission does not end at baptism. Jesus continues:

“teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.”

Christian faith is not reduced to inspiration or emotion. It involves formation, conversion, and daily obedience. The disciple learns slowly how to live the Gospel in ordinary life: forgiveness, mercy, justice, humility, prayer, truthfulness, compassion, perseverance. The Christian journey is lifelong.

Finally comes one of the most beautiful promises in the Gospel:

“And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew’s Gospel began with the title Emmanuel — “God with us.” It now ends with the same truth. Jesus ascends, yet He does not abandon His people. His presence continues in the Church, in Scripture, in the Eucharist, in prayer, and in the quiet moments where grace sustains us.

This promise is especially important because the mission can feel overwhelming. The disciples were few, imperfect, uncertain, and fragile. Yet Christ entrusted the Gospel to them anyway. The power of the mission comes not from the strength of the disciples but from the abiding presence of Christ.

For us today, this Gospel asks several questions:

• Do we truly believe Christ is still with His Church?
• Are we willing to be disciples, not merely admirers?
• Do we allow the Gospel to shape the way we live and speak?
• Are we prepared to witness to Christ in ordinary daily life?

Many people imagine mission as something dramatic or public. But often the Great Commission begins quietly: a word of encouragement, an act of mercy, faithful prayer, patience with another person, reverence in worship, integrity in suffering, or simply living with hope in a weary world.

The disciples stood before the risen Lord with both worship and doubt in their hearts. Yet Jesus still entrusted them with His mission. That should give great hope to every one of us. Christ does not wait for perfect people before calling them. He calls ordinary people and promises to remain with them always.

 

 NB In some dioceses the Ascension remains on a Thursday, whereas in other parts of the world, the Solemnity of the Ascension has been moved to a Sunday so that all may worship .