First reading
Acts 1:1–11
Why are you standing here looking into the sky? Jesus has been taken into heaven.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 46(47):2–3, 6–9
R. God mounts his throne to shouts of joy; a blare of trumpets for the Lord.
Second reading
Ephesians 1:17–23
God made him sit at his right hand in heaven.
Gospel acclamation
Matthew 28:19, 20
Go and teach all people my gospel. I am with you always, until the end of the world.
Gospel
Luke 24:46–53
He withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven.
Images from the Word
- Eleven
- Whole world
- His place
- Taken up to heaven
- Unity of the Spirit
Liturgical notes
In Australia standing is the most common posture for receiving Holy Communion. The customary manner of reception is recommended to be followed by all, so that Communion may truly be a sign of unity among those who share in the same table of the Lord. When approaching to receive Holy Communion, the faithful bow in reverence of the Mystery that they are to receive.
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §160
As we receive the sacrament of Christ’s Body and Blood in Communion, we express our unity and form one procession to the altar. Our bodily posture expresses our reverence for these gifts. Our ‘Amen’ in response to the Communion minister’s acclamations—‘The body of Christ, the Blood of Christ’—is our opportunity to affirm our faith and commitment to our mission. Christ entrusts himself to us so that we may be his ambassadors and extend his mission to the whole world.
‘Men of Galilee, why gaze in wonder at the heavens? This Jesus whom you saw ascending into heaven will return as you saw him go, alleluia.’
—entrance antiphon