May 14, 2026 The Ascension of the Lord (Mass during the Day) Gospel: Matthew 28:16–20
Today the Church solemnly celebrates the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. Some dioceses, having sought and received permission from the Apostolic See for pastoral reasons, have transferred the celebration to the Seventh Sunday of Easter. However, many dioceses uphold the ancient tradition of celebrating the Ascension on the fortieth day after Easter, which is today. We provide distinct reflections accordingly.
The Gospel from St. Matthew recounts the final appearance of Jesus to the Eleven before His Ascension. Often, like the disciples who went to the mountain in Galilee as instructed, we worship Christ yet fail to fully comprehend His teachings. This is because we frequently follow the inclinations of the flesh, desiring the fleeting treasures of this passing world rather than the eternal riches of the Kingdom of Heaven.
We often forget that we have been baptized into Christ’s infinite charity. From His pierced side flowed the fountain of mercy, washing away our original sin. When we receive the Holy Spirit in Christ—the “Advocate” promised to His disciples (cf. Jn 14:25–26) and the “Spirit of Truth” (cf. Jn 15:26–27)—He dwells within us. By His power, He will give life to our mortal bodies (cf. Rom 8:11), making us temples of God.
Today, Jesus commands the Eleven to go forth, leaving their comfortable confines, so that His Church might be truly universal. As members of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, we are called to preach the Word to every creature, so that others may receive the same Baptism, the same Holy Spirit, and the same Body and Blood of Christ, becoming one in Him. Therefore, our lives must embody the spirit of the Word, conforming our thoughts, words, and deeds to the likeness of Jesus Christ. Thus, the Christ dwelling within us becomes present to those He desires to choose through our virtuous words and deeds, fulfilling His promise to remain with us always.
Almighty God, make us rejoice with holy gladness, we pray, and exult in humble thanksgiving, for the Ascension of Your Son is our glory. As the Head has gone before in glory, so the Body is called to follow in hope. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
May 13, 2026 Vigil Mass for the Ascension of the Lord Gospel: Matthew 28:16–20
Today is Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Easter, the Optional Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima. According to the General Roman Calendar, in regions celebrating the Ascension tomorrow, the Vigil Mass is held this evening. Where the feast is transferred to Sunday, the Feast of St. Matthias is observed tomorrow. We provide tailored reflections for these varying observances.
For regions holding the Vigil Mass this evening, the Gospel is taken from the Gospel according to Matthew, identical to the Mass during the Day. St. Matthew recounts Jesus’ final appearance to the Eleven before His Ascension.
This passage was also used in the reflection for Day 5 of the 2026 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity reminds us that in Ephesians 4:5, St. Paul emphasizes that Baptism establishes the communion of Christians. Through this Sacrament of Initiation, believers profess faith in the same God, thus solidifying Christian unity. Baptism forges the collective identity of the Church as one Body of a single Savior. It serves as a powerful reminder that although the members of the Church come from diverse backgrounds, they are united in faith and baptism, transcending all divisions. By focusing on these elements of communion, the Church celebrates its diversity while maintaining steadfast unity. This calls us to prioritize our common identity in Christ over our differences, strengthening the bond that unites all Christians.
Today, Jesus commands the Eleven to go forth—to leave behind their comfort zones—so that His Church might not remain a Church for the few, but become a universal Church. We are members of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, built by Jesus Christ upon St. Peter. We are called to preach the Word to all creation, so that others may receive the same Baptism, the same Holy Spirit, and the same Body and Blood of Christ, becoming one in Him. Consequently, our lives must embody the spirit of the Word, conforming our thoughts, words, and deeds to the likeness of Jesus Christ. Let the Christ dwelling within us become present to those He desires to choose through our virtuous words and deeds, thus fulfilling His promise to remain with us always.
O God, whose Son ascended into heaven in the sight of His disciples, grant, we pray, that in accordance with His promise, we may be worthy to abide with Him in this life and be united with Him in the life to come. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
May 13, 2026 Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Easter Our Lady of Fatima (Optional Memorial) Gospel: John 16:12–15
Today is Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Easter, on which the Church celebrates the Optional Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima. According to the provisions of the General Roman Calendar for this year, in regions where the Ascension of the Lord is celebrated tomorrow, the Vigil Mass for the Ascension is to be celebrated this evening. In regions where the celebration of the Ascension has been transferred to the Seventh Sunday of Easter by permission of the Apostolic See, the Feast of St. Matthias the Apostle is observed tomorrow. Mindful of the pastoral needs arising from these liturgical variations, we will provide distinct spiritual reflections corresponding to each observance throughout this year.
The Gospel for Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Easter is taken from the Holy Gospel according to John. Jesus continues to reveal to us the relationship between Himself and the Father. At times, we may find ourselves perplexed by Jesus’ descriptions of His relationship with the Father, because we do not follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit, but instead interpret His words according to worldly perspectives and the logic of this age. Sometimes, we regard all that is written in Sacred Scripture—particularly the words and deeds of Jesus—as mere fables.
In truth, each of us has received the Spirit of Truth. This Spirit dwells perpetually within the Church; at the moment of our Baptism and Confirmation, He seals our souls with an indelible character. According to the measure of our capacity, He bestows diverse charisms upon us, enabling each of us to fulfill our unique mission. St. Paul teaches us: “God has appointed in the Church first Apostles, second Prophets, third Teachers, then workers of miracles, healers, helpers, administrators, and speakers in various tongues” (cf. 1 Cor 12:27–28). When we follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit and wisely employ the graces He grants us, we intimately experience His presence. Through Him, we come to know the Word of God and, through that Word, are led to the Heavenly Father. Thus, we live within the perfect love of the Most Holy Trinity.
May Our Lady of Fatima intercede for us before the throne of God, that we may imitate her example by being attentive to the Word of God and faithfully fulfilling the vocation bestowed upon us. Amen.
全属于祢 
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