God mounts his throne to shouts of joy; a blare of trumpets for the Lord. — Psalm 47:6

Mass readings: Acts 1:1-11 / Ephesians 1:17-23 or 4:1-13 or 4:1-7,11-13 / Mark 16:15-20

A Bittersweet Feast 

Today’s feast of the Ascension is somewhat bittersweet: Jesus Christ — Lord, Savior, and Friend — has left this earth. No longer can we see Him face-to-face or hear His audible voice. Although His constant Eucharistic Presence, hidden under the appearances of bread and wine, remains within His Church, I long to be able to sit at His feet and look up into His eyes! That would seem so much easier than what sometimes feels like praying to the air. 

However, Jesus — triumphant over sin and death — suffers no more and reigns in glory, so we rejoice. We also rejoice that Jesus, risen from the dead and ascended into heaven, sends us His Holy Spirit to live within us and makes us His witnesses to continue His mission throughout the world until the end of time. 

Prayer: Lord, awaken our spiritual senses to Your Presence as we pray and witness each day.