Ascension
The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord is the feast that marks Jesus going up to heaven following his Resurrection. Jesus’ Ascension is recorded in the Acts of the Apostles 1:6-11 (NABRE).
In the United States, dioceses are allowed to celebrate this solemnity on either Thursday or the last Sunday before Pentecost. The Ascension of the Lord occasionally is confused with the August 15 Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. These feasts seem quite similar, but the difference between them becomes apparent upon closer examination.
The Latin word “ascendo” is composed of two parts, the prefix “ad-“ meaning “to” or “toward,” and the verb “scando” meaning “I climb” or “I go up.” In this context, the prefix reinforces and emphasizes the meaning and makes the verb stronger in its compound form. We celebrate Jesus going up into heaven by his own action in much the way we would ascend a staircase to get to a higher floor.
By contrast, the Latin word “assumptio” means “I take” or “I receive.” This word is used to describe the Assumption or the taking up of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven. Mary was taken up into heaven not by her action but by God’s, in much the way that an elevator takes us up to a higher floor.
This difference in words used to describe these feasts highlights an important theological point. Jesus had the ability himself to go up into heaven as a result of his sacrifice. The Blessed Virgin Mary, in her role, didn’t have the same ability. Rather, she was taken up into heaven by God.
Why do you think it is that the Church chose to emphasize this difference in naming these two feasts? What does this distinction suggest about the difference between Jesus and his Mother? Consider how this distinction still is important for Christians today. How will we get into heaven?
related topics: Assumption; exalt, exult & extol; favor with God; raise up; Resurrection
you also may like our free Lenten study of Jesus’ Passion (digital only)
Jesus’ Passion: The Story of Redemptive Suffering is a five-lesson Catholic Bible study offering an in-depth look at the biblical foundations of the movie The Passion of the Christ. This revised study, which has been granted an imprimatur, contains all of the original material of the 2004 edition as well as many new features in an improved, reader-friendly format. Free digital lessons of Jesus’ Passion: The Story of Redemptive Suffering are available on our website during Lent. Click here to view a sample of the first lesson.
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