Daily Reflection – May 28, 2017
Sunday 28 May 2017
First Reading: Acts 1:1-11
Responsorial Psalm:
God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.
Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9
Second Reading: Ephesians 1:17-23
Gospel Reading: Matthew 28:16-20
Today’s Feast: The Ascension of the Lord
Gospel Reading:
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.”
Reflection:
…far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come. (Ephesians 1:21)
Today as we celebrate Jesus’ ascension to heaven, let’s join his disciples in lifting our hearts and minds heavenward as we pray:
“Lord Jesus, we praise you on this feast of hope and triumph! We adore you, Lord, seated at the Father’s right hand! You have taken your place of glory and authority—the place reserved for you, the eternal Son of God. You left it for a short time when you came to earth to redeem us, but now you are enthroned in the heavens. And we have been raised up with you!
“We praise you, Lord, for every principality, every power falls under your authority. No matter how strong or terrifying, everything in this created world must bow down to you. No matter what we face, nothing can remove us from your loving protection!
“We exult in you, Jesus, for you rule over history itself. Past, present, and future—nothing is outside your loving gaze and your powerful intervention. From your glorious throne, you hold all our lives in your hands.
“Jesus, you are worthy of praise! Every enemy has been placed beneath your feet. This means that nothing can overpower you—not Satan, not death, not suffering, not sin. You have defeated them all! You are above all things, and in you all things hold together.
“Jesus, now exalted to the Father’s right hand, you are the head of the body, the Church! No matter what human imperfections exist in your Church, we can be confident that you will continue to purify us. You intercede for us every day, asking your Father to pour out immeasurable grace to help us overcome our sin and live in love. Jesus, we believe that your victory is ours, and we place our trust in your love!
“Jesus, today is a day to celebrate! We gaze on your glory and know that all things are in your hands!”
