LITURGY PLANNER – Ascension of the Lord (A)

SUNDAY PREP

CATHOLIC WOMEN PREACHJEFF CAVINSBISHOP GOLKAKNOW BEFORE YOU GOONE MINUTE HOMILYPRIESTS FOR LIFESOCIETY OUR LADY OF TRINITYWORD ON THE WORD

↩️ ↪️ Catholic Women Preach

The Ascension of the Lord

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Timestamped Summary

Stepping out of our comfort zones and taking risks as disciples of Jesus can lead to experiencing God's joy and glory, and allows us to build hope and kindness in the world by taking small steps towards authentic discipleship.

00:00 The speaker reflects on the type of person who encourages others to take risks and try new things, and contrasts that with their own preference for safer paths.
01:15 Left to their own devices, the disciples felt overwhelmed, responding to Jesus' ascension with a mix of worship and doubt.
02:34 The speaker reflects on the emotions of Jesus' followers after his resurrection and ascension, relating their experiences to her own and wondering about their feelings and next steps.
03:18 The ascension nudges believers to move beyond their current limits and imagine a greater reality.
04:11 Letting go of comfort zones and taking risks can lead to experiencing the joy and glory of God through active engagement and authentic discipleship.
05:18 Stepping out of our comfort zones allows us to build the reign of God and offer hope to a world ravaged by violence, through kindness, mercy, and making disciples.
06:26 We don't need to solve big problems all at once, just take small steps like offering kindness to those around us.
07:06 We are called to live into our vocation as disciples, taking small steps toward joy and inviting others to do the same, and are not alone in this journey.

Prayers of the Faithful

The following petitions are based on themes from the above video.

Presider's Introduction: Gathered as a community of faith, we stand like the disciples, looking toward the heavens yet called to the earth. We acknowledge our doubts and our fears, but we trust in the promise that Christ is with us until the end of the age. Let us bring our needs and the needs of the world before the God who lovingly nudges us toward the fullness of life.

The Petitions

For the Church: That she may be a bold witness to the Gospel, moving beyond the safety of the "upper room" to make disciples of all nations. May her leaders and laity alike embrace the risk of authentic discipleship, building the reign of God through kindness and mercy. Lord, hear our prayer.
For the World: For all nations ravaged by violence, unrest, and a lack of peace. We pray that the Holy Spirit may move the hearts of leaders to seek reconciliation and that we, as God’s children, may dare to be bridges of hope in places of desperate need. Lord, hear our prayer.
For Those in Special Need: For those who feel overwhelmed when left to their own devices, for those paralyzed by fear or doubt, and for those struggling with the depths of pain. May they feel the gentle nudge of God through the love of friends and family, reminding them of the joy that is always an option. Lord, hear our prayer.
For our Local Assembly: That we may shift our eyes from the sky to the glory of God’s creation around us. May we be attentive to the "holy nudges" in our lives—inviting the hesitant, comforting the lonely, and taking small steps toward joy by serving our neighbors in simple, real-time acts of love. Lord, hear our prayer.

Presider's Concluding Prayer: Gracious God, you do not leave us alone but accompany us in our hesitation and our courage. Strengthen us to take the first step, even without a full plan, trusting that what is beyond our imagination is within your grace. Grant these prayers through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

↩️ ↪️ Jeff Cavins

The Ascension of the Lord

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Timestamped Summary

Jesus empowers his disciples to make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe his commandments, and commands his followers to spread the gospel and make disciples, promising to be with them always.

00:00 The liturgical year shows how scripture fits together like a puzzle, with this week's Ascension reading building on last week's theme of loving Jesus and keeping His Commandments.
00:42 Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to assist and walk with his disciples, empowering them to make disciples without being alone.
00:56 Jesus' last words in Matthew's gospel, particularly in chapter 28, hold significant importance as they convey His final message, which is often considered the most crucial.
01:44 Jesus commands his followers to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Trinity and teaching them to observe his commandments, promising to be with them always.
02:22 Jesus empowers his disciples to make disciples, promising to be with them and help them fulfill their mission.
02:50 Jesus' final command emphasizes making disciples, as He spent 3 years ministering with them before ascending to the Father.
03:22 The ultimate goal of being a disciple of Jesus is not just to believe and follow Him, but to make disciples of others, teaching them what He taught.
04:07 God calls us to make disciples, starting with our own families and circle of influence, by praying for and encouraging those in our lives to follow the Lord's commandments.

Prayers of the Faithful

The following petitions are based on themes from the above video.

Presider's Introduction: Brothers and sisters, as we celebrate the Ascension of our Lord, we recall his final words to us—the "best kept for last." He has commanded us to carry his message to the ends of the earth, yet he promises that we never labor alone. Encouraged by his presence and empowered by the promised Spirit, let us offer our petitions to the Father.

The Petitions

For the Church: That she may take to heart the Great Commission to go and make disciples of all nations. May we not simply be consumers of the faith, but active witnesses who teach others to observe all that Christ has commanded, always trusting in his presence among us until the close of the age. Lord, hear our prayer.
For the World: That the message of the Gospel may penetrate the hearts of all people, bringing light where there is darkness and peace where there is strife. May the truth of Christ’s reign at the right hand of the Father lead all nations toward justice and the recognition of human dignity. Lord, hear our prayer.
For Those in Special Need: For those who feel overwhelmed by the assignments of life or who feel they are walking their path alone. We pray especially for the dying and those who have recently lost loved ones; may they listen with "sharp ears" to the comforting promise of Jesus: "Behold, I am with you always." Lord, hear our prayer.
For our Local Assembly: That we may recognize the "circle of influence" God has placed before us—beginning with our own families and children. May we be empowered by the Paraclete to encourage others, to share our faith through prayer and teaching, and to live as true disciples of the Great Rabbi. Lord, hear our prayer.

Presider's Concluding Prayer: Heavenly Father, you have given us the ultimate assignment and the ultimate Advocate. As your Son ascends to glory, fill us with the power of the Holy Spirit so that we may keep your commandments with love and lead others into the joy of your kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

↩️ ↪️ Bishop James Golka

The Ascension of the Lord

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Timestamped Summary

The Ascension of the Lord and the Catholic understanding of Heaven and salvation emphasize the hope for a bodily resurrection, where the physical body will be reunited with the spirit and soul in eternity, rather than an escape from the physical world.

00:00 The Ascension of the Lord reaffirms Jesus' victory over death and bodily corruption, giving hope that our bodies are destined for something more than just burial.
00:35 Catholics celebrate the Ascension, affirming Jesus' glory and their hope for bodily resurrection, where their bodies will reunite with spirit and soul in eternity.
01:05 Jesus promises to return and take us to be with him forever, body, mind, soul, and spirit, highlighting the importance and holiness of the physical body.
01:36 The Western understanding of Heaven and Earth is influenced by Plato's separation of spirit and body, leading to a focus on spiritual salvation as an escape from the physical body.
02:00 The Bible presents Heaven as interacting with Earth, where spiritual things can invade and interpenetrate the physical world, making humans long for heavenly things.
02:23 Salvation is not an escape from Earth, but rather the reconciliation of Heaven and Earth, where the two become one through our experience of God's presence.

Prayers of the Faithful

The following petitions are based on themes from the above video.

Presider's Introduction: Beloved brothers and sisters, on this feast of the Ascension, we celebrate that where Christ our Head has gone in glory, we, his Body, are called to follow in hope. Confident that our destiny is not merely the earth but the eternity of God's dwelling place, let us present our petitions for the world and for ourselves.

The Petitions

For the Church: That she may always hold up the dignity of the human person—body, mind, and spirit. May we be a community that looks toward the resurrection of the body with serious joy, witnessing to a world that our physical lives and our spiritual longings are united in the glory of Christ. Lord, hear our prayer.
For the World: For the reconciliation of heaven and earth. We pray that the values of heaven—justice, mercy, and enduring peace—may invade and transform the structures of our world, and that all people may recognize that the things of this earth are passing, while the things of heaven remain. Lord, hear our prayer.
For Those in Special Need: For those who are suffering from illness or bodily corruption, and for those who feel disconnected from their own sense of holiness. May they find comfort in the promise that Jesus has gone to prepare a place for them, and that he will return to bring them into the fullness of his presence. Lord, hear our prayer.
For our Local Assembly: That we may grow in hunger for the things of heaven. As we participate in this Mass, where the bread and wine of the earth are transformed by the Holy Spirit, may we be fed and strengthened to live our daily lives as an interaction between the human and the divine. Lord, hear our prayer.

Presider's Concluding Prayer: Lord God, you have reaffirmed your victory over death and given us hope that we are destined for more than this earth alone. Hear the prayers of your people and help us to live with our eyes fixed on heaven even as our hands do your work on earth. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

↩️ ↪️ Know Before You Go

The Ascension of the Lord

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Timestamped Summary

The Ascension of the Lord is a spiritual event, not a physical one, where Jesus transitions from a physical presence to a spiritual presence, working through his followers to continue God's salvation of the world.

00:00 The Ascension of the Lord is celebrated with readings from Acts, Matthew, and Ephesians, which present a complex post-resurrection scenario of Jesus's appearances.
01:06 Jesus gives his disciples the Great Commission, instructing them to make disciples of all nations, baptize them, and teach them to observe his commands, promising to be with them until the end of the age.
02:15 As Jesus ascended into heaven, two men in white garments appeared and rebuked the disciples for staring at the sky.
02:38 Jesus' ascension into heaven implies a journey to a realm beyond the physical universe, not a literal movement to a specific location.
03:32 The Lord's ascension enables him to travel far beyond Earth's galaxy, but not quite reach the neighboring Andromeda galaxy.
03:40 The ascension of the Lord isn't a physical event, but a spiritual one, where Jesus works through his followers, giving them wisdom and revelation to know Him.
04:46 The Church is now the body of Christ, with Jesus present in a new way through the power of the spirit, working through each of us to continue God's salvation of the world.
05:56 The Ascension of Jesus celebrates his physical departure, allowing him to return in a spiritual presence, and prompting us to step in and fill the gap with our own presence.

Prayers of the Faithful

The following petitions are based on themes from the above video.

Presider's Introduction: Today we celebrate the mystery of the Ascension—the moment when Jesus left our sight so that he could be even closer to us. As we transition from having a God among us to becoming the Body of Christ in the world, let us offer our prayers for the Church and for all who seek God’s presence.

The Petitions

For the Church: That we may embrace our identity as the Body of Christ, the fullness of him who fills all things. May we move beyond "standing and looking at the sky" and instead accept our mission to fill the gap Jesus left, becoming his hands, feet, and voice in the world today. Lord, hear our prayer.
For the World: For all nations and people, that they may experience the God who is not distant or far away, but present through the power of the Spirit. May the spirit of wisdom and revelation be given to all leaders, resulting in a deeper knowledge of the peace that only God can provide. Lord, hear our prayer.
For Those in Special Need: For those who feel the "absence" of God most acutely—the lonely, the grieving, and those who feel abandoned. May they come to understand that Christ’s leaving was not an exit, but a new way of being present, and may they find comfort in the community that surrounds them. Lord, hear our prayer.
For our Local Assembly: That we may let the reality of Christ’s departure "slowly dawn on us" and realize our own vocation. May we stop looking to the clouds and start looking toward one another, ready to be the presence of Christ in our families, our workplaces, and our city. Lord, hear our prayer.

Presider's Concluding Prayer: Heavenly Father, you have put all things beneath the feet of your Son and made him head over all things for the Church. Help us to celebrate this "leaving" with joyful hearts, knowing that we are never alone, but are united as one Body through the power of your Spirit. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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↩️ ↪️ 1-Minute Homily

The Ascension of the Lord

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Timestamped Summary

God is present and active in the world, particularly through community and the spreading of His message, even in times of tragedy and uncertainty.

00:00 God responds to tragedy and apparent absence through the beauty of community, as seen in the way people came together to support and pray for those affected by the Buffalo shooting.
00:48 Jesus's ascension is not a departure, but a union with us, as He promises to be with us always, encouraging us to spread His message to all nations.

Prayers of the Faithful

The following petitions are based on themes from the above video.

Presider's Introduction: On this Feast of the Ascension, we do not mark the departure of Jesus, but rather his victory over death and darkness to be with us always. Even when God feels distant or absent, we believe he is present in the love and resilience of our communities. Let us bring our prayers before the Lord, who promised to never leave us.

The Petitions

For the Church: That she may be a visible sign of God’s presence in places of darkness. May we take seriously the call to go and make disciples, not just through words, but by standing in solidarity with those who suffer and by building communities of authentic hope. Lord, hear our prayer.

For the World: For places and people who have been ravaged by violence and tragedy. We pray especially for communities like Buffalo, and for all who have lost loved ones to senseless acts of hate. May they experience God's response to tragedy through the advocacy, support, and love of their neighbors. Lord, hear our prayer.

For Those in Special Need: For all those for whom God seems absent today. We pray for the grieving, the marginalized, and those struggling with the weight of recent loss. May they find comfort in the promise of Christ’s words: "I am with you always," and see that presence reflected in the kindness of strangers. Lord, hear our prayer.

For our Local Assembly: That we may be a community that "shows up" for one another. May we follow the example of those who respond to sorrow with prayer, music, and generous service, recognizing that by caring for each other, we reveal the Christ who has ascended over all things. Lord, hear our prayer.

Presider's Concluding Prayer: Gracious God, your Son ascended over death so that he might fill all things with his presence. Listen to the prayers of your people, and help us to find you in the midst of our tragedies and in the beauty of our community. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

↩️ ↪️ Priests for Life

The Ascension of the Lord

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Timestamped Summary

Jesus' ascension exalts human nature and implies that every human life should be treated with dignity and respect, contradicting practices like abortion that degrade human life.

00:00 Jesus' glory in the Ascension differs from his pre-world glory in that he now possesses it in his human nature, which has been exalted to the heights of Heaven.
00:49 God's plan for humanity is contradicted by abortion, which attacks and degrades human dignity, as Jesus' ascension exalts the same human nature.
01:32 The Ascension means treating each human life as one destined to sit with Christ on His throne, and sharing the life and glory of the Risen Christ through the Holy Spirit.

Prayers of the Faithful

The following petitions are based on themes from the above video.

Presider's Introduction: As we celebrate the Ascension of our Lord, we rejoice that our human nature has been taken to the heights of heaven. In Christ, the destiny of every human life is revealed—to sit with Him on His throne. With confidence in the dignity of all people, let us offer our prayers to the Father.

The Petitions

For the Church: That she may be a tireless advocate for the sanctity of human life. May we proclaim the Gospel of the Ascension by recognizing that every person, from the first moment of conception, is destined for the glory of heaven and a place on the throne of God. Lord, hear our prayer.
For the World: For an end to all forms of violence that degrade the human family. We pray that nations may move away from cultures of death and instead build societies that honor the dignity of the weak, the vulnerable, and the unborn, treating each life as a sacred gift intended for eternity. Lord, hear our prayer.
For Those in Special Need: For those who are tempted to despair or who feel their lives have no value. We pray for expectant mothers in difficult situations, that they may receive the support and love needed to see the divine destiny of the life within them. Lord, hear our prayer.
For our Local Assembly: That as we wait in prayer for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, we may be renewed in our commitment to protect and serve one another. May our daily interactions reflect the truth of the Ascension: that the human nature we share with Christ is holy and worthy of the highest honor. Lord, hear our prayer.

Presider's Concluding Prayer: O God, whose Son has fulfilled the destiny you intended for us from the beginning, look with favor upon your people. As we prepare for the coming of the Holy Spirit, help us to treat every human life with the reverence due to those called to share your eternal glory. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

↩️ ↪️ SOLT Liturgy Prep

The Ascension of the Lord

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Timestamped Summary

Jesus promises to be with us always, empowering us through the Holy Spirit to live out our faith with courage, power, and a sound mind, so we are never truly alone.

00:00 Jesus promises to be with us always, and through baptism and confirmation, we are given a spirit of power, courage, and sound mind to live out our faith.
00:46 Belonging to God brings a promise of never being left, yet doubts can still exist in one's heart.
01:06 Jesus reassures us that He will be with us always, even until the end of the age, and that we're never alone, as He keeps His promises through the power of the Holy Spirit.
01:28 God is equipping believers to proclaim His name, revealing the Father's love to a world in desperate need of love, and inviting them to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit.
01:56 The disciples remained joyful after the Ascension because they realized they weren't alone, having been sent the power of the Holy Spirit, which brought them the joy of the Lord.

Prayers of the Faithful

The following petitions are based on themes from the above video.

Presider's Introduction: As we celebrate the Ascension of our Lord, we rest in the truth that we are not orphans and we are never alone. Jesus has promised to be with us until the end of the age, equipping us with a spirit of power, courage, and a sound mind. Let us turn to him now with our doubts and our hopes, offering our prayers for all the world.

The Petitions

For the Church: That the eyes of our hearts may be enlightened to know the hope of our calling. May all the baptized be set on fire by the Holy Spirit, moving past our doubts to boldly proclaim the name of Jesus and reveal the Father’s love to a world desirous of hope. Lord, hear our prayer.
For the World: For all nations and people who feel abandoned or alone. May the promise of Christ’s presence bring peace to areas of conflict, and may the power of the Holy Spirit inspire leaders to act with courage and sound minds for the sake of the common good. Lord, hear our prayer.
For Those in Special Need: For those whose hearts are heavy with fear, anxiety, or doubt. We pray that they may feel the hands of Christ stretched out in blessing over them, replacing their uncertainty with the surpassing greatness of his power and the joy that the world cannot give. Lord, hear our prayer.
For our Local Assembly: That the graces of our Baptism and Confirmation may be rekindled within us this week. May we walk in the anointing of the Spirit, comforting the lonely in our community and reminding one another through our words and actions that God always keeps his promises. Lord, hear our prayer.

Presider's Concluding Prayer: Father, you have given us an inheritance among the holy ones and promised to remain with us always. Enkindle in us the fire of your love, that we may step out in faith and live as witnesses to the victory of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

↩️ ↪️ The Word on the Word

The Ascension of the Lord

THE WORD THIS WEEK infographics are created using using GOOGLE’S AI Gemini 2.5 Pro. You are free to use the above infographic in any non-profit ministry. Please give credit to TheWordThisWeek.net and EWTN video series "The Word on the Word."

Prayers of the Faithful

The Ascension of Jesus serves as a motivation to improve ourselves by focusing on developing one virtue, with the ultimate goal of becoming better people.

00:00 We often put off trying to be better people, but the Ascension of Jesus offers a way to create a challenge to improve ourselves.
00:24 Jesus commands the apostles to spread the gospel, baptize others, and prepares them for his second coming, urging viewers to focus on developing one virtue this week.

Prayers of the Faithful

The following petitions are based on themes from the above video.

As we celebrate the Ascension of Christ, the King of the Universe, we are reminded that he remains always with us. Because we do not know the day or the hour of his return, we are called to live as his disciples not eventually, but today. Let us bring our petitions to the Lord, seeking the grace to grow in holiness right now.

The Petitions

For the Church: That she may be a faithful witness to the Gospel, baptizing and teaching all nations in the name of the Trinity. May every member of the Church resist the temptation to put off holiness, striving instead to be a "better person" through the power of Christ who is always with us. Lord, hear our prayer.
For the World: That the recognition of Christ as King of the Universe may inspire a spirit of true charity among all peoples. May leaders and citizens alike seek to build a world defined by patience and justice, preparing the way for the Lord’s return in glory. Lord, hear our prayer.
For Those in Special Need: For those who are exhausted, overwhelmed, or tempted to delay their growth in virtue. We pray for those who find it difficult to be patient or charitable due to the burdens they carry; may they feel the strength of Christ’s presence sustaining them in their weakness. Lord, hear our prayer.
For our Local Assembly: That we may accept the challenge to grow in a specific virtue this week. Whether seeking patience in our daily frustrations or offering charity to those who are difficult to love, may we use our time wisely to reflect the light of the Risen and Ascended Lord. Lord, hear our prayer.

Presider's Concluding Prayer: Heavenly Father, you have given us the gift of this present moment to follow your Son. Grant us the courage to act with virtue today and the grace to persevere in love until we see you face to face. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

LITURGY PLANNING

Liturgy Notes

The Ascension of the Lord

The Ascension of the Lord

Jesus Does Not Leave Us

by Fr. Lawrence Mick

In most dioceses in the U. S. and Canada, the celebration of the Ascension is transferred to this Sunday. If you are celebrating the Ascension on Thursday, these comments will still apply. In that case, the texts for the Seventh Sunday of Easter will be used today. See last week’s column for a few comments about the readings for that Sunday.

The Solemnity of the Ascension is a feast that is often misunderstood. The confusion arises if people take the story of the Ascension as an historical event that occurred precisely 40 days after Easter Sunday.

In the Christian Scriptures the Ascension is more of a theological reality than an historical date. While Luke describes the Ascension event weeks after Easter, John indicates that Christ was reunited with the Father on Easter Sunday; otherwise Christ could not have bestowed the Spirit on the Apostles on that first Easter evening. Even our Gospel today, taken from Matthew’s account, does not say that Jesus was taken up into heaven. Instead, his Gospel ends with Jesus promising: “I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

That line may be the best key to understanding the Ascension. Jesus does not leave us. The Ascension means that the risen Christ is now present in a different way but no less truly present. Christ is always with us, a presence we can depend upon and draw upon.

If this is true, then the celebration of the Eucharist does not mean that Christ suddenly comes into our midst during the eucharistic prayer, though I suspect many Catholics think that he does. Once again, he is simply present in a different way in the forms of bread and wine. But he has already been present in the assembly, in the presider, and in the word proclaimed, and he is present wherever we are every day of our lives.

So let Matthew’s Gospel guide the preaching and music and prayers today. Celebrate the continuing presence of Christ in our midst as well as his glorification with the Father. Pray for the grace to recognize his presence in every aspect of our lives. Pray for those who show us the face of Christ. Pray that we might be the face of Christ to others. Pray that we have the courage and heart to bring his love to those in need. Pray that our world will come to recognize Christ’s presence and his call to live in peace and charity. Pray for a deeper awareness of the Holy Spirit within us who makes us aware of Christ’s presence in our hearts and our lives.

Consider singing James E. Moore’s song, “I Will Be with You,” during the preparation of the gifts today to echo the Gospel message.

SPECIAL RITES & DEVOTIONS

Whenever you celebrate the Ascension, it would be appropriate to recommend to the assembly the tradition of a novena to the Holy Spirit leading up to the celebration of Pentecost. A novena, by definition, lasts nine days. If you celebrate the Ascension next Thursday, then the novena runs from Ascension to Pentecost. If you don’t celebrate the Ascension until next Sunday, people can still begin the novena this Friday. No formal prayers are needed; simply praying for the gift of the Spirit’s guidance will suffice. But you could print a prayer to the Holy Spirit in the bulletin this week.

The Novena to the Holy Spirit:
- Purpose: Preparing the assembly for the descent of the Spirit at Pentecost.
- Timing (Ascension Next Sunday): Begin the Novena this Friday.
- Timing (Ascension Thursday): Begin the Novena on Ascension Day.
- Action Item: Print a "Prayer to the Holy Spirit" in the parish bulletin to encourage daily communal prayer.
Baptismal Remembrance: Use the Sprinkling Rite (Asperges) to recall the Spirit received at Baptism.