Ascension Thursday

-Psalms 68:18

Today is Ascension Thursday 2010. Catholics all over the world celebrate Ascension Thursday 2010 the 40th day after Easter Sunday. It is a day to remember Jesus ascending into heaven after dying for our sins. After living amongst us, Jesus suffered on the cross, died, was resurrected and ascended into Heaven before the Eleven Apostles.

The Ascension represents Jesus' leaving the earth, going to heaven and taking His seat at the right hand of our Father. It is a day to pray and thank Him for what He did for all of us. While not an official holiday, Ascension Thursday is a Holy Day of Obligation for Catholics.

This year, some parishes decided to celebrate Ascension Thursday on Sunday, May 16, 2010 rather than May 13. My parish had services last night and today for Ascension Thursday. With each parish celebrating differently, check the mass schedule to know when your church is officially celebrating Ascension Thursday. Many Holy Days of Obligation that fall during the week are slowly being shifted to Sundays.

Biblical text confirms the Eleven Apostles were present for the ascension. Catholics and Orthodox followers also believe Mary was there for the ascension as she was mentioned in Acts 1. The location of the ascension is not specifically mentioned but it is believed to be Mount Olivet (the Mount of Olives).

Early Christians before the conversion of Constantine in 312 A.D. honored the ascension in a cave on Mount Olivet. For centuries, Christians have celebrated Ascension Thursday. While some churches are celebrating on Sunday, we still refer to the day as Ascension Thursday.

In the Eastern Church, Ascension is one of the Twelve Great Feasts of the year. It is observed with an all-night Vigil. This special day is a reminder to all Christians about what He did for us.

So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

-Mark 16:19

Blessings on Ascension Thursday! Have a beautiful, blessed day!