LECTIONARY READINGS
First reading: Acts 1:1-11
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 47
Second reading: Ephesians 1:17-23
Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20
Link to readings
Forty days after the Resurrection, Jesus ascends to heaven. He ascends triumphant to sit at the Father’s right hand. For the disciples, their time of formation with him is over. How is their relationship with him altered?
The First Reading from the Acts of the Apostles gives an account of the Ascension. Jesus promises to send his Holy Spirit to be with his disciples, to fill them with his power, so that they can witness to him ‘to the ends of the earth.’ The Psalm emphasises Jesus’s triumph in his Ascension, and the whole Church sings in praise of the Lord who reigns over all.
The Second Reading also stresses Christ’s power. His Father has ‘put all things under his feet.’ That power is exercised for us, not only in the gifts of his grace, but also in the promise of eternal glories. Matthew’s Gospel account of the Ascension focuses on Jesus’s authority and his sending forth of the disciples to witness, baptise and teach. He promises to be with them ‘to the end of time.’
I may want to pray today that those who are struggling to find peace, feel God’s presence in their heart.
SECOND READING
Ephesians 1: 17–23
May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a spirit of wisdom and perception of what is revealed, to bring you to full knowledge of him. May he enlighten the eyes of your mind so that we can see what hope his call holds for you, what rich glories he has promised the saints will inherit and how infinitely great is the power that he has exercised for us believers. This you can tell from the strength of his power at work in Christ, when he used it to raise him from the dead and to make him sit at his right hand in heaven, far above every Sovereignty, Authority, Power, or Domination, or any other name that can be named, not only in this age, but also in the age to come. He has put all things under his feet, and made him, as the ruler of everything, the head of the Church; which is his body, the fullness of him who fills the whole creation.
REFLECTION
I come to my place of prayer, and consciously place myself in the loving presence of my God. I slowly read the text. Perhaps the first sentence conveys what I desire in my prayer today? I take the time to sit with this prayer, or with another phrase that has struck me.
I may ask the Father to open my heart and the eyes of my mind to his great mystery. I consider the Father’s power which has raised Jesus from the dead and exalted him above all powers to sit at his right hand. I rest here as long as I can.
What does this prompt me to speak of to my Lord Jesus Christ? I reflect on Christ, in power and glory, yet filling creation and all time with his presence. I may be moved to adoration, praise or gratitude ...
I may pray Paul’s prayer that others may come to know the glorious hope we are all promised. I end quietly in praise. Glory be to the Father ...
GOSPEL
Matthew 28: 16–20
The eleven disciples set out for Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had arranged to meet them. When they saw him they fell down before him, though some hesitated. Jesus came up and spoke to them. He said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations; baptise them in the name of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you. And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.’
REFLECTION
How do I feel today as I settle to my prayer? I ask the Lord to be with me and to help me pray. Conscious of his love for me, I receive this Gospel knowing he is speaking to me.
I read the text with reverence and allow it to be real for me. Perhaps I can imagine myself present in the scene as one of the disciples climbing the mountain. How do I wait for Jesus? With eagerness, doubt, fear, apprehension, joy …?
As Jesus appears, do I fall in adoration before him, or do I hesitate? Without judgement, I consider my response. What does it lead me to say to Jesus? I consider my companions. How is the group altered as we gather around Jesus? Can I relate this to my life? Where or how do I especially meet him with others? Does this gospel change my attitude to them?
I listen deeply to his words. Perhaps I am saddened and unnerved that Jesus is leaving us? Or am I exhilarated by the commands he is giving us, to make disciples, baptise and teach? Have I experienced something of his promise to be with us until the end of time?
I speak to the Lord from my heart at length. I finish my prayer with gratitude, asking the Lord to be always with his Church.
Courtesy St Beuno’s Outreach in the Diocese of Wrexham, UK