The Ascension of the Lord

1st Reading – ACTS 1:1-11

In the first book I made, O Theophilus, of all things which Jesus began to do and to teach,

Until the day on which, giving commandments by the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen, he was taken up.

To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion, by many proofs, for forty days appearing to them, and speaking of the kingdom of God.

And eating together with them, he commanded them, that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but should wait for the promise of the Father, which you have heard me by my mouth.

For John indeed baptized with water, but you shall, in a few days, be baptized with the Holy Spirit.

When they had gathered together they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?”

He answered them, “It is not for you to know the times or moments, which the Father has put in his own power.

But you shall receive the power of the Holy Spirit coming upon you, and you shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the ends of the world.”

And when he had said these things, while they looked on, he was raised up: and a cloud received him out of their sight.

And while they were beholding him going up to heaven, behold two men stood by them in white garments.

Who also said: You men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking up to heaven? This Jesus who is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come, as you have seen him going into heaven.

 

Responsorial Psalm – Psalms 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9

R. (6) God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.

All you peoples, clap your hands,
shout to God with cries of gladness,
For the LORD, the Most High, the awesome,
is the great king over all the earth.

R. God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.

God mounts his throne amid shouts of joy;
the LORD, amid trumpet blasts.
Sing praise to God, sing praise;
sing praise to our king, sing praise.

R. God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.

For king of all the earth is God;
sing hymns of praise.
God reigns over the nations,
God sits upon his holy throne.

R. God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.

 

2nd Reading – Ephesians 1:17-23

Brothers and sisters:

May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give unto you the spirit of wisdom and of revelation, in the knowledge of him:

The eyes of your heart enlightened, that you may know what the hope is of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.

And what is the exceeding greatness of his power towards us, who believe according to the operation of the might of his power,

Which he worked in Christ, raising him up from the dead, and setting him on his right hand in the heavenly places.

Above all principality, and power, and virtue, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.

And he has subjected all things under his feet, and has made him head over all the church,

Which is his body, and the fulness of him who is filled all in all

 

Alleluia – Matthew 28:19A, 20B

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Go and teach all nations, says the Lord;
I am with you always, until the end of the world.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

 

Gospel – Matthew 28:16-20

And the eleven disciples went into Galilee, unto the mountain where Jesus had ordered them.

And seeing them they adored: but some doubted.

And Jesus coming to them, spoke to them, saying: All power is given to me in heaven and on earth.

Go, therefore, and teach all the nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world.