Online Church: @Our Lady of Africa Church Mbuya today, May 17, 2026

SOLEMNITY OF THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD-SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

-First Reading: Acts 1:1-11; Luke gives the eyewitness account. After 40 days of appearing to them, Jesus tells the apostles to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit. Then he’s lifted up into a cloud as they watch. Two angels tell them Jesus will return the same way he went.- The Ascension is the end of Jesus’ visible mission and the launch of the Church’s mission.

-Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9 “God mounts his throne to shouts of joy, a blare of trumpets for the Lord.” A song of praise celebrating God as King over all nations. It fits the Ascension because Christ now reigns in glory at the Father’s right hand.

-Second Reading: Ephesians 1:15-23; Paul prays that we grasp the hope we’re called to and the greatness of God’s power. That power raised Christ from the dead and seated him above every ruler and authority.
Point: Christ’s exaltation isn’t distant — it’s for the Church, which is his Body.

-Gospel:  Matthew 28:16-20; The risen Jesus gives the Great Commission: “Go and make disciples of all nations… I am with you always.” Point: The Ascension sends us out. Jesus isn’t absent; he’s with us in mission until the end of time. 
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Overall theme: Jesus ascends in glory, reigns as Lord, and sends the Church on mission, promising his continued presence through the Holy Spirit.

The feast is celebrated 40 days after Easter. The Ascension is when Jesus Christ rose into heaven, body and soul, in the sight of his apostles. It marks the end of his earthly ministry and his return to the Father in glory. It means human nature is now in heaven with God, and Jesus reigns with full authority. Before leaving, he told his disciples to spread the Gospel and promised to send the Holy Spirit, which happens at Pentecost.