Ascension Sunday is a significant feast day in the Catholic Church that marks the end of the Easter season and celebrates Jesus Christ's ascension into heaven. This important event is recorded in the Bible in the book of Acts, where it is said that Jesus was taken up into heaven in the sight of his disciples.
The history of Ascension Sunday dates back to the earliest days of Christianity, when the apostles and disciples of Jesus began to gather to celebrate the anniversary of his ascension. In the fourth century, the feast day was officially recognized by the Church and became a part of the liturgical calendar.
The significance of Ascension Sunday lies in its celebration of Jesus Christ's return to His Father in heaven. It marks the completion of His earthly mission and the fulfillment of His promise to send the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort his disciples. As Jesus ascended into heaven, He left behind a message of hope and redemption for His followers, assuring them of His continued presence and love.
"As Jesus ascended into heaven, He left behind a message of hope and redemption for His followers, assuring them of His continued presence and love.”
Another important tradition of Ascension Sunday is the lighting of the Paschal candle, which symbolizes the resurrection of Jesus and His victory over sin and death. This candle is often used throughout the Easter season and serves as a reminder of the hope and joy of the resurrection.
In addition to these traditional practices, many Catholic churches and communities celebrate Ascension Sunday with special Masses, liturgies, and other devotional activities. These celebrations offer opportunities for the faithful to come together in worship and reflection, to share their faith and fellowship, and to renew their commitment to following Jesus Christ.
The significance of Ascension Sunday extends beyond the Catholic Church and has been celebrated by Christians of all denominations for centuries. The event of Jesus' ascension is a reminder of His love and compassion for all people, regardless of their background or beliefs. It is a call to each of us to embrace His message of hope and redemption, and to share that message with others.
Ascension Sunday is a significant feast day in the Catholic Church that celebrates the completion of Jesus Christ's earthly mission and His return to his Father in heaven. It is a time for reflection, worship, and renewal, and offers an opportunity for the faithful to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ and to share His message of love and salvation with others. By learning about the history, significance, and traditions of Ascension Sunday, we can deepen our understanding of this important event and the role it plays in the life of the Church and in our own spiritual journeys.
We highly recommend the podcast by Father Fr. Mike Schmitz “Christ’s Ascension into Heaven”
