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 Matthew 28:16-20. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 47 (Psalm 47:2-3, 6-9).

Today’s Gospel reading is as follows:

The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, "All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age."

Reflections on these readings and on this celebration:

Crossroads Initiative: Ascension of Christ & the New Evangelization

Catholic World Report: The Dispatch: The Ascension and the Christian's mission today (25 MAY 2017)

Word on Fire: At the Right Hand of the Father (Solemnities * Ascension)

Thoughts from the Early Church: Commentary: Leo the Great