17/05/2026
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17 May 2026 | Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord
Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20
๐ฌ ๐ฝ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐:
The Solemnity of the Lordโs Ascension reminds us that before Jesus ascended into heaven, He entrusted His disciples a mission, that is, to proclaim the Gospel to the whole world. Although He returned to the Father, He did not abandon His followers. Instead, He strengthened them with His promise: โAnd behold, I am with you always, until the end of the ageโ. This solemnity does not only narrate Christ ascending into heaven, but also shows Jesusโ entrusting the calling and mission. He leaves to those who continue to follow Him.
As a seminarian, this Gospel speaks deeply of my vocation. Seminary formation teaches me to become like the disciples who responded to Christโs call with faith and courage. Yet following Christ is never easy. It demands sacrifices, perseverance, and trust in God, especially during moments of weakness and uncertainty. There are times when problems, fears, and personal struggles shake my faith. Sometimes, I even ask myself if I am truly capable of following the path God has prepared for me, because there are days when I feel lost and unable to find real happiness.
However, the words of Christ in the Gospel strengthen my heart: โI am with you always.โ These words remind me that God never abandons those whom He calls. Even in moments of confusion, discouragement, and doubt, His presence remains constant. Though I may fail to recognize Him at times, He continues to guide me, comfort me, and strengthen me to persevere. He teaches me to trust Him more deeply and to follow Him more openly and more faithfully, despite the noise and confusion of this world.
The Ascension of the Lord also reminds us that our journey of faith is never free from struggles. Life, indeed, is messy and filled with obstacles, yet Christ calls us to move forward with hope. Just as the disciples were sent into the world despite their fears and limitations, we, too, are called to become witnesses of Godโs love in our own lives. The Lordโs Ascension assures us that although Christ ascended into heaven, His presence remains alive among us. He walks with us in every trial, strengthens us in every weakness, and leads us closer to Him each day. God is always with us, not only with seminarians, but with everyone who believes in Him. In the midst of lifeโs challenges, may we continue to trust His presence, remain faithful to our calling, and courageously spread the Gospel into the world with hope, love, and perseverance.
Sem. Alenjim C. Fulla
Discipleship III
Diocese of Bangued
