Study, Pray, Serve: The Ascension of the Lord

Study: What do the readings say?

Pray: What do the readings say to me?

Serve: What do the readings make me do or say…today?

Let’s take a look at some of the main themes we find in the Scripture readings for the Ascension of the Lord.

1st Reading – Acts 1:1-11

• The introduction serves as a bridge between the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles (both written by the same author.)
• The apostles will receive the power of the Holy Spirit and proclaim the Good News to “the ends of the earth.”

Psalm 47:2-3,6-7,8-9

• The Church applies this psalm directly to the triumph of Jesus as he ascends to Heaven.
• We rejoice over the victory of our God!

2nd Reading – Option 1 – Ephesians 1:17-23

• A prayer for wisdom and understanding for all disciples.
• Reviews the supremacy of Christ over all things.

2nd Reading – Option 2 – Ephesians 4:1-13

• An invitation to live a life that is worthy of the call that we have received.
• We have received gifts to be shared for the building up of the body of Christ.

Gospel – Mark 16:15-20

• Christ commands his disciples to “go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.”
• The disciples will be filled with power and able to perform many different signs.
• Christ ascends into Heaven; the disciples carry out his mission.

Mass Readings – The Ascension of the Lord

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Catholic Inspiration Archives

Note: This post was first published on May 10, 2021.