May 14, 2026 St. Matthias the Apostle Gospel: John 15:9–17
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. According to the General Roman Calendar, today is the Feast of St. Matthias the Apostle. Therefore, mindful of the practical needs of regions where the Ascension is transferred, we also provide a reflection for the Feast of St. Matthias.
Today’s Gospel from St. John continues the discourse of Jesus before His Passion. When we hear Jesus say, “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love” (Jn 15:9–10), we may view His commandment as an unbearable imposition. In reality, the commandment Jesus gives us is simple: to love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus not only taught us this commandment but also fulfilled it perfectly, showing us how to view the world according to God’s design. To see the world rightly, we must learn to let go—to release everything we possess in this world and bravely leave behind our comfortable surroundings. Like St. Matthias, we must courageously go forth to the whole world, bearing witness to the truth and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If we follow Christ’s teaching, renouncing our selfish desires and living always according to the Word of God, then His words will abide in us, and His joy will be complete in us. When our hearts are filled with His joy, we will offer fitting prayers to the Heavenly Father, who, in His abundant mercy, will surely grant us every grace we need, according to the teaching of His only Son.
O God, who assigned Saint Matthias to the college of Apostles, grant, through his intercession, that we may so rejoice at the deep love You have shown us, that we may be counted among those You have chosen. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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.
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