At first glance, the Ascension can feel like Jesus simply “heading back to heaven” — but this feast reveals something far bigger: Christ’s saving work is still active right now.
This week on All Set for Sunday, Fr. James Brockmeier helps unpack the mystery of the Ascension and why it’s a pivotal moment in salvation history.
The readings for the Ascension remind us that Jesus doesn’t abandon the Church when He ascends, He commissions it.
Key Takeaways from the Episode
• Acts 1:1-11 shows the apostles staring into the sky until the angels remind them it’s time to get moving. The mission of the Church begins now.
• In Ephesians 1, St. Paul reminds us that Christ reigns over all things and intercedes for us before the Father.
• The Gospel’s Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20) calls every Christian to “make disciples of all nations.”
One of the most beautiful insights Fr. Brockmeier shared was connecting the Ascension to the Jewish Day of Atonement. Just as the high priest entered the Holy of Holies to offer sacrifice before God, Jesus enters heaven itself bringing His glorified body before the Father on our behalf.
That means the Ascension isn’t Jesus “checking out.”
It’s Jesus continuing His ministry in heaven.
The conversation also wandered into some delightfully Catholic territory:
• How the Trinity shapes the prayers of the Mass
• Why saints intercede for us
• Whether astronauts follow the liturgical calendar in space 🚀
• And a surprisingly fascinating deep dive into Eucharistic Prayer IV
One especially memorable line:
Confirmation is the moment the Holy Spirit says, “Okay, now what are we going to do together?”
That spirit of mission fits perfectly with the Ascension. Jesus ascends and then sends us.
🎧 Listen to or watch the full episode:
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The Ascension points directly toward Pentecost and the mission of the Church — a reminder that the Holy Spirit empowers ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
