The Ascension occurred 40 days after Easter when Jesus Christ returned to Heaven. During the time between the Resurrection and the Ascension, Jesus appeared numerous times to the disciples and provided them with reassurance, comfort, and wisdom. Luke writes of the Ascension saying that Jesus “blessed them, he parted from them, and was taken up to heaven” (Luke 24:51). Christ’s ascension into Heaven as both man and God grants us the firm knowledge that there is a place for humanity in Heaven.
The 40 days between Easter and the Ascension are also significant for individuals who enter the Church at Easter since it is used as a period of continued RCIA formation. This time, referred to as mystagogy, is an extension of the catechesis provided prior to the reception of the sacraments of initiation. Every Catholic can use this time to strengthen their faith along with our newly initiated brothers and sisters.
After the Ascension, the Apostles and Mary prayed continuously until Pentecost, which is where the nine days of a novena originated. Novenas are a common practice during which one prays for nine days for a specific intention and asks for the intercession of a particular saint.
Pentecost, which follows 10 days after the Ascension, is the celebration of the Holy Spirit coming down to the Apostles and Mary. This is a fulfillment of the promise Jesus made at the Last Supper to the Apostles when He said, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always” (Jn. 14:16). Jesus’ sending of the Holy Spirit strengthens the Apostles to begin ministry, as Peter preached his first homily after the event. Pentecost is viewed as the “birthday” of the Church.
The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit were conferred at Pentecost. These are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. These gifts strengthen us. Wisdom pertains to knowledge and judgement regarding human and divine things. Understanding opens us to God’s truths and counsel allows us to be led by God in those truths. Fortitude is the gift which aids us in choosing good and avoiding evil and knowledge helps distinguish the two. Piety and fear of God are similar in that they both pertain to knowing God intimately, but piety is more of a filial affection and fear of God is understanding His terrible power. Each gift perfects a theological or cardinal virtue, and can be strengthened through prayer to the Holy Spirit. With these gifts, we can sustain our personal faith lives and imitate the Apostles in spreading the Good News.
Ascension and Pentecost are two important events in the Church and are celebrated annually. In some dioceses, the feast of the Ascension is celebrated on the Thursday after the sixth Sunday of Easter, but most dioceses choose to move the feast to the Sunday after Ascension Thursday (the seventh Sunday of Easter). It marks the end of the Easter season.
We celebrate these two feasts each year to remember that we are invited to join God in Heaven at the end of our lives and to commemorate and celebrate the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. These gifts can give us the strength to live good Christian lives and someday join God in Heaven.
- An Overview of Ascension and Pentecost - April 30, 2021
- Teaching in Catholic Schools - March 25, 2021
- Bible in a Year Podcast Tops Charts - February 25, 2021