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.

©Totus Tuus 2026
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica