Ascension of the Lord (Year: A)
Date: Thursday, May 18th, 2023, 11:00
Old Testament: Acts 1:1-11
Psalms: Ps. 93
1In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach
2until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.
3After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.
4On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.
5For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
6So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"
7He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.
8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
9After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
10They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them.
11"Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."
Acts 1:1-11 (NIV)
Epistle: Eph. 1:15-23
1The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed in majesty and is armed with strength. The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved.
2Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity.
3The seas have lifted up, O LORD, the seas have lifted up their voice; the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.
4Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea- the LORD on high is mighty.
5Your statutes stand firm; holiness adorns your house for endless days, O LORD.
Psalms 93 (NIV)
Gospel: Luke 24:44-53
15For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,
16I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.
17I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.
18I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
19and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength,
20which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,
21far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
22And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,
23which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Ephesians 1:15-23 (NIV)
44He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms."
45Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.
46He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day,
47and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
48You are witnesses of these things.
49I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."
50When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them.
51While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.
52Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.
53And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.
Luke 24:44-53 (NIV)