Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. The assigned readings are Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:17-23, and Mark 16:15-20. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 47 (Psalm 47:2-3, 6-9).

For one version of the Responsorial Psalm set to music, please visit:

YouTube: 0:40 / 2:19 Spirit & Psalm - Ascension of the Lord, 2024 - Year B - Psalm 47 - Blakesley

Today’s Gospel reading is as follows:

Jesus said to his disciples: "Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."

So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God. But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.

Reflection on these readings and on this celebration:

Crossroads Initiative: Ascension of Christ & the New Evangelization

uCatholic: The Solemnity Of The Ascension

Aleteia: Philip Kosloski: Jesus ascends and the devil descends on the Ascension (8 MAY 24)