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 Luke 24:46-53. 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: Spirit & Psalm 2025 – Ascension – Psalm 

Today's Gospel reading is as follows:

Jesus said to his disciples: "Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold I am sending the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from  on high."

Then he led them out as far as Bethany, raised his hands, and blessed them. As he blessed them he parted from them and was taken up to heaven. They did him homage and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and they were continually in the temple praising God. 

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)