Ascension Thursday

This Thursday (May 9) we celebrate the Ascension of Our Lord Jesus into Heaven. The Ascension signifies Jesus’ literal bodily return to heaven, where He now sits at the right hand of God.

It represents His victory over death and His exaltation to a position of authority and glory. Many onlookers saw and bore witness on that day of Jesus's ascension.

As a cloud began to hide Jesus as He ascended, two angels appeared to the disciples and promised that Christ would "return in the same way you have seen him going into heaven." (Acts 1:11) As Jesus told His Apostles “But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you.” (John 16:7)

Jesus did not leave us as He ascended into Heaven but is with us until the end of time. We only need to receive Him into our hearts.

The question was asked: “Why do we ring the bells at Mass?” The use of bells during Mass is a long-standing tradition in the Catholic Church. This typically occurs after the consecration when the priest elevates the Sacred Host or the chalice of Precious Blood.

The bell is rung to signify that the bread and wine has been transformed into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. The Body and Blood of our Lord is truly present on the altar. Bells were historically used in divine worship to alert the congregation that something important is happening and to create a joyful noise before the Lord.