17/05/2026
WORD Today
May 17, 2026
(A reflection on the Bible readings in today's Holy Mass)
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Acts 1:1-11
Ephesians 1:17-23
Matthew 28:16-20
Today, Sunday, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. The proper for the Solemnity was last Thursday (40 days after Easter,) but it is moved to today because it is a very important event.
Before rising to the sky and leaving the disciples, Jesus did not leave them with comfort alone, but with a mission: "Go and make disciples of all nations." (Gospel) The Ascension is not Jesus abandoning the world; it is Jesus entrusting the world to His followers while remaining with them always.
The apostles had walked with Jesus, listened to His teaching, and witnessed His Resurrection. Yet in the Gospel, some still doubted. But their weakness did not stop Jesus from sending them. This is comforting for us, because God does not wait for perfect people before giving them a mission. He works through ordinary hearts willing to trust Him.
Then in the First Reading, Jesus ascends to heaven. The disciples stood gazing at the sky after Jesus rose up. The angels gently told them not to remain there looking upward. Faith is not meant to keep us frozen in wonder and admiration. True faith moves our feet, changes our choices, and sends us into the world. Christians cannot spend their lives merely talking about heaven while ignoring the people around them who need hope, truth, and compassion.
In the Second Reading, St. Paul prays for us, "May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened," so we may know the greatness of Christ's power. Often we do not think of serving Jesus because He is distant and we cannot see Him physically. Yet He remains present - in His Word in Scripture, in the Eucharist, in His Church, and in every act of love done in His Name. The same Lord who ascended into heaven continues to guide and strengthen His people.
The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord reminds us that heaven is our true destination, but our mission continues on earth. The Ascension is not the end of Christ's work on earth. It is the beginning of ours. Jesus has gone before us, yet He has not left us alone. His promise remains: "I am with you always, until the end of the age."
