By Aying Godman | Evangelist and Educator | Catholic Front. Good News Ministry for Jesus Christ
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After the Lord Jesus had talked with them, he was taken up to heaven and sat at the right side of God.” (Mark 16:19). Indomitable
1. THE FEAST OF ASCENSION
The 14th of May, 2026, marked the sacred feast of Ascension Thursday, bringing the joyous season of Easter to its climactic close. For forty days, we have walked with the Risen Lord, witnessing – as the apostles did – that He is alive, having shown Himself to many after His suffering (Acts 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:6). We have testified to this resurrection not merely in words, but through lives transformed by the Spirit, proving that it is no longer we who live, but Christ living in us (Galatians 5:24-25).
When Jesus ascended to the Father, fulfilling His promise that He must return to the one who sent Him (John 20:17), He did not leave us helpless. He commanded His followers to wait in Jerusalem for the Promise of the Father – the pouring out of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4).
So, what is the next step for us, the Church?
The Ascension is not a departure; it is an empowerment. Jesus ascended to take His seat of authority, ruling over all things, and to prepare a place for us (John 14:2-3). Our next step is to cease gazing upward in passive wonder and to start moving forward in active service. We are called to be His witnesses, empowered by the Spirit, taking the hope of the Resurrection to the ends of the earth. Let us fully embrace this truth: By his ascension, Jesus is not absent; rather, by his divinity, his power, and his love, he is now more present, accessible to all, everywhere. Follow Him, and know that this Truth will set you free (John 8:32). Let us live as people of the Ascension – indomitable heaven-bound souls – though earth-based.
Key Steps of the Christian Journey:
Embrace the Power: Await the Holy Spirit with expectancy, for he is the empowering gift of the ascended Lord. (Acts 1:4, Luke 24:49, Acts 1:14)
Live as Witnesses: We are called to carry out the mission of Christ, witnessing to His resurrection in our daily lives. (Acts 1:8, 21-22)
Set Hearts Above: In all things, align your life with heavenly values, seeking the things that are above where Christ is seated. (Colossians 3:1–4)
Hope in His Return: The same Jesus who ascended will return in like manner, assuring us of final victory. (Acts 1:11, Revelation 1:7)
2. RISE IN UNION WITH CHRIST
“God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:6, NIV). For believers, resurrection is just the beginning; we are called to ascend with Christ, embracing a deeper, spirit-led life. By retreating from worldly, material pursuits, we ascend spiritually to rule in divine dominion and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14). We cultivate this vital union through daily prayer, immersion in the Word, Eucharistic communion, adoration, and active, loving service to others.
An Invitation to Ascension
True Christian life is not merely surviving the world, but thriving in heavenly authority. As Scripture says, we are called to be seated with Him (Ephesians 2:6). This requires a daily conscious decision to lift our focus from temporary material matters to eternal realities.
The Power of Ascension: This is a spiritual repositioning, stepping away from the chaotic, worldly mindset to live in the reality of God’s peace and power. We are called to “set our minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2,).
Dominion through the Spirit: When we are seated with Him, we rule over the anxieties and sinful passions of this world not by our own strength, but through the Holy Spirit.
Fostering Union and Prayer: This high calling is nurtured through profound devotion: deep prayer, meditation on Scripture, meditation on the mysteries of the Holy Rosary, receiving the Eucharist, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and acts of love and praise.
Let us not settle for a worldly life when a heavenly position awaits. Rise up, in union with Christ, and live in the power of His resurrection.
3. OVERCOME THE WORLD
Walking in Divine Dominion
True victory isn’t found in worldly power, but in God’s divine arsenal. We are called to demolish strongholds and take every thought, ideology, and institution captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). True dominion means aligning culture – from politics to technology – with God’s truth, for Christ holds all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18-20). Empowered by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8), we walk in victory over corruption, rising above the “gravity” of sin, just as Christ walked above the sea, bringing the Kingdom of God to earth (Matthew 14:25-33).
Overcoming the World by Divine Power
The battles we face in this life are not won with human strategies, worldly influence, or brute strength. Rather, “The weapons we use in our fight are not the world’s weapons but God’s powerful weapons, which we use to destroy strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4).
These divine weapons are designed to dismantle false arguments and every proud, arrogant obstacle raised against the knowledge of God. As believers, we are called to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
The Meaning of Ruling with Dominion
Dominion is not a license for arrogance; it is a mandate for stewardship. To rule over the world in alignment with God is to take spiritual authority over every worldly argument, desire, circumstance, and institution – including politics, economy, art, industry, and technology – and align them with the lordship of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Christ is Supreme: Christ is the supreme ruler of the universe, elevated above all earthly power (Ephesians 1:21).
His Authority is Absolute: Jesus declared, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18).
The Final Victory: He will continue to rule until God places all enemies under his feet (1 Corinthians 15:25; Ephesians 1:22).
Walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit
We cannot achieve this divine assignment through human effort alone. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we can truly rule (Acts 1:8). Following Ascension Day, we are called to follow the trajectory of the Apostles – living with focused intent and prayerful unity (Acts 1:13-14). We must move from being passive consumers of culture to active ambassadors of the Kingdom.
Overcoming the “Gravity” of Corruption
When we embrace this dominion, we are enabled to overcome the “worldly gravity” of sin and corruption. Just as Jesus walked on the water (Matthew 14:25-33), defying the natural laws of sinking, we are empowered by Him to walk above the chaos and corruption of this world. We are no longer destined to drown in sinful behaviors, but to walk in the victory of the Spirit. Let us rise to this call. Let us take stance for Christ.
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4. SEPARATE FROM THE WORLD
Embracing the Upper Room: A Call to Spiritual Retreat
Following the ascension, the Apostles returned to Jerusalem and gathered in an upper room to pray, as recorded in Acts 1:13: “They entered the city and went up to the room where they were staying: Peter, John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Patriot, and Judas son of James.”
This retreat to the Upper Room within the bustling city of Jerusalem mirrors the conditions of modern Christian life. The disciples were not instructed to flee to a distant desert or an isolated mountain, but to return to the very heart of the city – a place that was, and remains, a hub of activity. Upon arriving, however, they went upstairs, establishing a space to stay and pray together in unity.
Find a Sacred Space in a Busy World
The Upper Room teaches us that we no longer need to journey to physical mountains to meet with God (John 4:21). The noise and hustle surrounding us should not hinder our spiritual lives. Like the apostles, we must find our “upstairs” – a deliberate retreat from the daily distractions and demands of the world.
The Way to Retreat:
Practice Intentional Separation: Regularly step away from worldly attractions to seek God’s face (Mark 6:31).
Engage in Fasting, Prayer and Meditation: Use this time for silent introspection, contemplation, and deep communion with God through His Word (Psalm 46:10).
Fellowship: Gather with other believers to seek God in unity (Acts 1:14).
By fostering a “hidden” life of prayer amidst the pressures of the world, we find true rest and divine empowerment for the work ahead.
Scriptural Foundations:
Acts 1:13-14: The setting of the Upper Room and the community in prayer.
Mark 6:31: “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.”
Matthew 6:6: “But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door”
Psalm 23:2-3: “He leads me beside quiet waters; He restores my soul.”
5. TAKE PART IN FELLOWSHIP
Walking in the Apostles’ Footsteps
When the day of Pentecost arrived, the believers were gathered together in one place, creating a space for the Holy Spirit to move. Following our intentional withdrawal from the world, the next vital step on the trajectory of the Apostles is fellowship – the intentional gathering of Christians to share in the Word, testify to their faith, and pray in one spirit. Fellowship is not merely a social gathering; it is a spiritual imperative where we encourage, strengthen, and ignite one another with the fire of God’s Spirit. Jesus, our Savior, gave us this assurance: “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them”.
A Two-Fold Approach to Spiritual Growth
To walk fully in the Spirit, we must adopt a balanced, apostolic lifestyle:
Collective Fellowship: As practiced by the early church and in some church groups today, we meet together to break bread, share testimonies, and strengthen one another (Acts 2:42-47).
Private Retreat: In the quiet, we engage in personal devotion, studying the Word of God, meditating, and praying. This sacred space allows us to receive God’s life-giving Spirit, for Jesus declared, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life” (John 6:63).
Why We Must Gather
In a world that often leaves us weary, fellowship acts as a healing balm. As we share in the Word and pray together, we are not alone; Jesus is present, and we are empowered by His Spirit to be witnesses to the world. We invite you to make fellowship – both with God in secret and with believers in community – a priority, and experience the transformative fire of the Holy Spirit.
Scriptural Foundations:
Acts 2:1-4: The unity of believers leading to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 18:20: The assurance of Christ’s presence in gathering.
John 6:63: The Word as Spirit and Life.
1 Corinthians 1:9: Called into fellowship with Jesus Christ.
6. DESIRE THE SPIRIT WITH LOVE
Assembling together is more than a social gathering; it is a sacred appointment to encounter the living Christ, who comes to us in the Holy Spirit (John 14:23). Jesus commanded His followers, “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift I told you about, the gift my Father promised. John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 1:4-5). This promise remains valid for us today. The Holy Spirit is the ultimate gift of God’s love, sent to guide and empower us. Yet, this divine encounter is not earned through ritual; it is received through a heart committed to selfless love – love for God and love for one another. The Holy Spirit responds to the act of selfless love because He is the Spirit of Love, the perfect communion of the Father and the Son (John 14:23). Therefore, let us pursue the baptism of the Holy Spirit not merely for power, but to be vessels of God’s love in a world that desperately needs it.
The Key Take-home:
The Promise is for You: The baptism of the Holy Spirit is the “promise of the Father”, not a distant or unattainable experience.
Wait with Purpose: Like the disciples in Acts 1, we must wait expectantly and in unity, seeking God’s power rather than our own.
Love is the Key: The Holy Spirit is attracted to love. A selfless, “agape” love for others is the environment where the Spirit thrives.
Receive Power to Witness: The purpose of this empowerment is to be Christ’s witnesses, demonstrating God’s love to the world (Acts 1:8).
Let us, therefore, cultivate a heart of love, eager to receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
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7. PRAY FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Novena to the Holy Spirit is a powerful, nine-day devotional journey designed to renew your spiritual life and rekindle the fire of faith received in Confirmation, strengthening your walk with God through prayer and fellowship (Acts 1:14). It begins the Friday after Ascension and concludes on the Saturday before Pentecost.
Rekindle the Fire Within
In Acts 1:14, we see the early Church waiting in unity, prayer, and expectation for the promise of the Father – the Holy Spirit. Today, we are called to that same persistent prayer. The Novena to the Holy Spirit is a deeply cherished tradition that acts as a profound opportunity for believers to: receive a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Church, experience personal revival, spiritual renewal, and growth (John 14:26), and awaken and exercise spiritual, charismatic gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).
Is Your Spiritual Fire Quenching?
Life can be busy, and sometimes the fire we received at Baptism and Confirmation goes out due to a lack of “maintenance.” The Novena to the Holy Spirit is the ultimate way to fan that dying spark back into a blazing flame, nourishing your soul through intentional meditation, intentional fellowship, and renewed prayerful service.
Let us gather together, just as the apostles did, and humbly ask for the renewal of our hearts.
When to Pray:
Begins: Friday after Ascension Thursday.
Ends: Saturday before Pentecost Sunday
Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of your love.
8. ENCOUNTER THE HOLY SPIRIT
Suddenly, a sound like a mighty rushing wind swept from heaven, filling the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them and rested on each one. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:2-4). This pivotal moment marked the dramatic culmination of the Apostles’ journey – an extraordinary encounter with God through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Just as Jesus had ascended to commune with the Father (Mark 16:19), the Apostles were empowered by a similar, profound communion with God on earth. Celebrated as a foundational event in the Christian faith, Pentecost – occurring fifty days after Passover and ten days after the Ascension – represents the baptism of power promised to believers.
A Supernatural Unity
A powerful testament to this divine encounter was the supernatural reversal of barriers. Through the Holy Spirit, the Apostles spoke, and bystanders from every nation heard the gospel in their own native languages (Acts 2:7-11). This was a perfect, awesome manifestation of tongues, demonstrating that in the Holy Spirit, diverse people are unified as one in God.
The Birth of the Church
Pentecost signifies the birth of the Church, which Jesus had previously established upon the rock of Peter’s confession (Matthew 16:18-19). It is the moment the Church moved from a waiting community to an empowered, global force.
Reflection for Today
The same Spirit that filled the Upper Room is available to you today. It is a promise of power, comfort, and direct connection to God (Acts 1:8). Whether you are a seeker or a long-time believer, the invitation remains: encounter the Holy Spirit, embrace the unity of the body of Christ, and speak truth by His enabling power.
9. WITNESS FOR JESUS CHRIST
Following Pentecost, the Apostles were empowered to move beyond their fear and boldly witness for Christ, fulfilling his command (Acts 1:8). Today, it remains the urgent duty of all believers to continue this mission, as the Good News has not yet reached the ends of the earth. We are called to share the salvation of Jesus Christ.
Witnessing to the World: A Missionary Calling
Following the empowering descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the Apostles were transformed from fearful disciples into bold witnesses, exactly as Jesus prophesied, saying, “you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). This is not merely a historical account, but a commissioning. The duty of the Church – and every believer – is to continue this imperative mission. While the gospel has spread far, it has not yet reached every corner of the earth; therefore, our task is not finished.
Rekindling the Fire of Love
This is why the Church observes the Novena to the Holy Spirit and celebrates the Solemnity of Pentecost. These moments are designed to rekindle the Church and its believers with the “fire of love in the Holy Spirit.” We are called to move out of our comfort zones, empowered by the Spirit, to continue witnessing for Christ. We must remain steadfast until the whole world receives the Good News of his salvation. As we are reminded in Romans 10:14, “How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?” Let us be the generation that takes the torch of Pentecost to the ends of the world.
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10. BENEFIT FROM SPIRITUAL ELEVATION
Spiritual elevation enables believers to rise above sinful nature, finding peace, stability, and purpose through Christ, as promised in Scripture. By focusing on heavenly treasures, Christians are empowered to live victoriously, bearing spiritual fruit and fulfilling the Great Commission with compassion and authority to reconcile the world to God.
The Benefits of Spiritual Elevation
Victory Over Sin: We are empowered to rise above the turbulent waters of sin and temptation, just as Jesus commanded the sea (Matthew 14:29-31).
Stability in Life’s Storms: Through spiritual maturity, we are no longer tossed by the winds of life or the chaos of trials (Ephesians 4:14).
Divine Peace: We will overcome trials, embracing the calm assurance that Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33).
Heavenly Perspective: We are able to set our minds on things above and to store up treasures in heaven (Colossians 3:2, Matthew 6:20).
Abundant Fruitfulness: Our lives will bear the Fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
A Call to Action
This is a call to all believers: Christ has reconciled us to God and entrusted us with the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18). As we join together in the Church – through prayer, repentance, and longing – may the Holy Spirit of Pentecost renew, revive, and empower us to fulfill our divine vocation in the Name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
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Copyright (c) 2026 | Aying Godman | Evangelist & Educator | Catholic Front Good News Ministry for JESUS CHRIST
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