The scripture readings for the Ascension offer some messages which also lead to some questions.

Catholic leaders often mourn the lack of a strong singing tradition in parishes. Some folks never pick up a book or mutter so much as an "amen" from the start of the Mass to the end.

The 11 disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion.

YOU MAY have seen the photo taken earlier this year when the conflict in Ukraine was still mostly about the overthrow of the then-president and before it escalated into a struggle about Ukrainian sovereignty, the European Union, international politics, and the all the rest.

Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins, and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.

Luke shows his artistry by making a beautiful and understated analogy between the Ascension of Jesus and the ascension of Elijah in the Hebrew Bible.

It’s easy to focus today on the exaltation of Jesus, God’s seating him “at his right hand in the heavenly places,” where he exercises dominion over everything in heaven and on earth.

“On this day has ascended to heaven the new and spiritual bread, and all mysteries have been revealed in your Body, raised like an offering. Blest be this bread, O Lord!” —Ephraem the Deacon (s. 306-373)