Date: May 12, 2024
7th Sunday of Easter readings
New American Bible readings
First reading (Acts 1: 15–17, 20a and 20c–26)
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.
Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers—there was a group of about one hundred and twenty persons in the one place. He said, “My brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand through the mouth of David, concerning Judas, who was the guide for those who arrested Jesus. He was numbered among us and was allotted a share in this ministry. “For it is written in the Book of Psalms: May another take his office. “Therefore, it is necessary that one of the men who accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus came and went among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day on which he was taken up from us, become with us a witness to his resurrection.” So they proposed two, Judas called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this apostolic ministry from which Judas turned away to go to his own place.” Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the eleven apostles.
Second reading (1 John 4: 11–16)
A reading from the first letter of Saint John.
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also must love one another. No one has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us. This is how we know that we remain in him and he in us, that he has given us of his Spirit. Moreover, we have seen and testify that the Father sent his Son as savior of the world. Whoever acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God remains in him and he in God. We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us. God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him.
Gospel (John 17: 11b–19)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.
Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed saying: “Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one. When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me, and I guarded them, and none of them was lost except the son of destruction, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you. I speak this in the world so that they may share my joy completely. I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world. And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth.”
Catholic Pastoral Edition Bible readings
First reading (Acts 1:15–17, 20a and 20c–26)
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.
Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers. There was a group of about ten dozens of people in the one place. He stated, "My brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand through the mouth of David, concerning Judas, who was the guide for those who arrested Jesus. He was numbered among us and was allotted a share in this ministry. For it is written in the Book of Psalms: 'May another take his office.' Therefore, it is necessary that one of the men who accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus came and went among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day on which he was taken up from us, become with us a witness to his resurrection." So they proposed two, Judas called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed, "You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this apostolic ministry from which Judas turned away to go to his own place." Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the eleven apostles.
Second reading (1 John 4: 11–16)
A reading from the first letter of Saint John.
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also must love one another. No one has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us. This is how we know that we remain in him and he in us, that he has given us of his Spirit. Moreover, we have seen and testify that the Father sent his Son as savior of the world. Whoever acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God remains in him and he in God. We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us. God is love, and whoever remains in love, remains in God, and God in him.
Gospel (John 17: 11b–19)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.
Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed with these words: "Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one. When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me, and I guarded them, and none of them was lost except the son of destruction. In order that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now, I am coming to you. I speak this in the world so that they may share my joy completely. I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the evil one. They do not belong the world any more than I belong to the world. Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world. And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth."
The Ascension of the Lord readings
New American Bible readings
First reading (Acts 1: 1–11)
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.
In the first book, Theophilus, I dealt with all that Jesus did and taught until the day he was taken up, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them by many proofs after he had suffered, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While meeting with them, he enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for "the promise of the Father about which you have heard me speak; for John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." When they had gathered together they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" He answered them, "It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." When he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight. While they were looking intently at the sky as he was going, suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them. They said, "Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven."
Second reading (Ephesians 1: 17–23) (Option 1)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians.
Brothers and sisters: May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones, and what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe, in accord with the exercise of his great might, which he worked in Christ, raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens, 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. And he put all things beneath his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.
Second reading (Ephesians 4: 1–13) (Option 2)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians.
Brothers and sisters, I, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace: one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore, it says: He ascended on high and took prisoners captive; he gave gifts to men. What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended into the lower regions of the earth? The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things. And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature to manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ.
Gospel (Mark 16: 15–20)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.
Jesus said to his disciples: "Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God. But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.
Catholic Pastoral Edition readings
First reading (Acts 1: 1–11)
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.
In the first part of my work, Theophilus, I wrote of all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning until the day when he ascended to heaven. But first he had instructed through the Holy Spirit the apostles he had chosen. After his passion, he presented himself to them, giving many signs that he was alive; over a period of forty days he appeared to them and taught them concerning the kingdom of God. Once when he had been eating with them, he told them, "Do not leave Jerusalem but wait for the fulfillment of the Father's promise about which I have spoken to you: John baptized with water, but will be baptized with the Holy Spirit within a few days." When they had come together, they asked him, "Is it now that you will restore the Kingdom of Israel?" And he answered, "It is not for you to know the time and the steps which the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the earth." After Jesus stated this, he was taken up before their eyes and a cloud hid him from their sight. While they were still looking up to heaven where he went, suddenly, two men dressed in white stood beside them and stated, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking up at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken from you into heaven, will return in the same way as you have seen him go there."
Second reading (Ephesians 1: 17–23) (Option 1)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians.
May the God of Christ Jesus our Lord, the Father of Glory, reveal himself to you and give you a spirit of wisdom, that you may know him. May he enlighten your inner vision, that you may appreciate the things we hope for, since we were called by God. May you know how great is the inheritance, the glory, God sets apart for his saints; my you understand with what extraordinary power he acts in favor of us who believe. He revealed his almighty power in Christ when he raised him from the dead and had him sit at his right hand in heaven, far above all rule, power, authority, dominion, or any other supernatural force that could be named, not only in this world but in the world to come as well. Thus has God put all things under the feet of Christ and set him above all things, as head of the Church which is his body. He who fills all in all unfolds his fullness in the Church.
Second reading (Ephesians 4: 1–13) (Option 2)
A reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians.
Therefore, I, the prisoner of Christ, invite you, to live the vocation you have received. Be humble, kind, patient, and bear with one another in love. Make every effort to keep, among you, the unity of spirit, through bonds of peace. Let there be one body, and one Spirit, just as one hope is the goal of your calling by God. One Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God, the Father of all, who is above all, and works through all, and is in all. But to each of us, divine grace is given, according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore, it is said: When he ascended to the heights, he brought captives and gave his gifts to people. He ascended, what does it mean, but, that he had also descended to the lower parts of the world? He, himself, who went down, then ascended far above all the heavens, to fill all things. As for his gifts, to some, he gave to be apostles; to others, prophets, or even evangelists; or pastors and teachers. So, he prepared those who belong to him, for the ministry, in order to build up the Body of Christ, until we are all united, in the same faith and knowledge of the Son of God. Thus, we shall become the perfect Man, upon reaching maturity, and sharing the fullness of Christ.
Gospel (Mark 16: 15–20)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.
Jesus stated this to the Eleven, "Go out to the whole world and proclaim the Good News to all creation. The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; the one who refuses to believe will be condemned. Signs like these will accompany those who have believed: in my Name they will cast out demons and speak new languages; they will pick up snakes and, if they drink anything poisonous, they will be unharmed. They will lay their hands on the sick and they will be healed." So then, after speaking to them, the Lord Jesus was taken up into heaven and took his place at the right hand of God. The Eleven went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs which accompanied them.
The ecclesiastical provinces of Boston, Hartford, New York, Newark, Omaha, and Philadelphia celebrates the 7th Sunday of Easter, while all other U.S. ecclesiastical provinces celebrate the Ascension of the Lord. For all the other U.S. ecclesiastical provinces, the readings of the Ascension of the Lord are used. For masses in Indonesia, the readings for the 7th Sunday of Easter are used.
ReplyDeleteResponsorial Psalm (Psalm 103) (Verses 1–2, 11–12 y 19–20)
ReplyDeleteThe response is: The Lord has set his throne in heaven. (Or you may respond: Alleluia.)
Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all my being, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.
For as the heavens are high above the earth, so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has he put our transgressions from us.
The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. Bless the LORD, all you his angels, you mighty in strength, who do his bidding.
This responsorial psalm is taken from the New American Bible.
DeleteThis responsorial psalm is for the 7th Sunday of Easter celebration.
DeleteResponsorial Psalm (Psalm 103) (Verses 1–2, 11–12, and 19–20)
ReplyDeleteThe response is: The Lord has set his throne in heaven.
Bless the Lord, O my soul; all my being, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his kindness.
As the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his love for those fearing him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he removes us from our transgressions.
The Lord has set his throne in heaven; he rules, he has power everywhere. Praise the Lord, all you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, you who obey his word.
This responsorial psalm is taken from the Catholic Pastoral Edition Bible.
DeleteThis responsorial psalm is for the 7th Sunday of Easter celebration.
DeleteThis is the Gospel Acclamation for the 7th Sunday of Easter.
ReplyDeleteAlleluia, alleluia.
I will not leave you orphans, says the Lord. I will come back to you, and your hearts will rejoice.
Alleluia, alleluia.
This is the gospel acclamation for the 7th Sunday of Easter.
DeleteThe following are foreign language readings read during the 7th Sunday of Easter.
ReplyDeletePrimera lectura (Hechos de los Apóstoles 1: 15–17, 20ª y 20C–26)
DeleteUna lectura de los Hechos de los Apóstoles.
Uno de aquellos días, tomando Pedro la palabra, dijo a los creyentes que se habían reunido, que eran unas ciento veinte personas: “Hermanos, tenía que cumplirse lo que el Espíritu Santo, por medio de David, había dicho en la Escritura acerca de Judas, el que sirvió de guía a los que apresaron a Jesús. Judas era uno de los nuestros y tenía parte en nuestro trabajo. Porque en el libro de los Salmos dice: ‘Que otro ocupe su cargo.’ “Tenemos aquí hombres que nos han acompañado todo el tiempo que el Señor Jesús estuvo entre nosotros, desde que fue bautizado por Juan hasta que subió al cielo. Es necesario, pues, que uno de ellos sea agregado a nosotros, para que junto con nosotros dé testimonio de la resurrección de Jesús.” Entonces propusieron a dos: a José, conocido como Barsabás y también llamado Justo, y a Matías. Y oraron así: “Señor, tú que conoces los corazones de todos, muéstranos a cuál de estos dos has escogido para que tome a su cargo el servicio de apostolado que Judas perdió por su pecado, cuando se fue al lugar que le correspondía.” Echaron suertes y le tocó a Matías, que desde aquel momento quedó agregado a los once apóstoles.
Salmo responsorial (Salmo 103) (Versículos 1–2, 11–12 y 19–20)
La respuesta es: El Señor ha puesto su trono en el cielo.
• Bendeciré al Señor con toda mi alma; bendeciré con todo mi ser su santo nombre. Bendeciré al Señor con toda mi alma; no olvidaré ninguno de sus beneficios.
• Tan inmenso es su amor por los que le honran como inmenso es el cielo sobre la tierra. Nuestros pecados ha alejado de nosotros como ha alejado del oriente el occidente.
• El Señor ha puesto su trono en el cielo, y su reino domina sobre todo. ¡Bendigan al Señor, ángeles poderosos! Ustedes que cumplen sus órdenes, que están atentos a obedecerle.
Segunda lectura (1 Juan 4: 11–16)
Una lectura de la primera carta de San Juan.
Queridos hermanos, si Dios nos ha amado así, también nosotros debemos amarnos unos a otros. A Dios nunca lo ha visto nadie; pero si nos amamos unos a otros, Dios vive en nosotros y su amor se hace realidad en nosotros. La prueba de que nosotros vivimos en Dios y que él vive en nosotros es que nos ha dado su Espíritu. Y nosotros mismos hemos visto y declaramos que el Padre envió a su Hijo para salvar al mundo. Todo aquel que reconoce que Jesús es el Hijo de Dios, vive en Dios y Dios en él. Así hemos llegado a saber y creer que Dios nos ama. Dios es amor, y el que vive en el amor vive en Dios y Dios en él.
Evangelio (Juan 17: 11–19)
Una lectura del Evangelio Santo según el San Juan.
Jesús miró al cielo y dijo: “Yo no voy a seguir en el mundo, pero ellos sí van a seguir en el mundo, mientras que yo voy para estar contigo. Padre santo, cuídalos con el poder de tu nombre, el nombre que me has dado, para que estén completamente unidos, como tú y yo. Cuando estaba con ellos en este mundo, los cuidaba y los protegía con el poder de tu nombre, el nombre que me has dado. Y ninguno de ellos se perdió, sino aquel que ya estaba perdido, para que se cumpliera lo que dice la Escritura. Ahora voy a ti; pero digo estas cosas mientras estoy en el mundo, para que ellos se llenen de la misma perfecta alegría que yo tengo. Yo les he comunicado tu palabra; pero el mundo los odia porque no son del mundo, como tampoco yo soy del mundo. No te pido que los saques del mundo, sino que los protejas del mal. Así como yo no soy del mundo, tampoco ellos son del mundo. Conságralos a ti por medio de la verdad: tu palabra es la verdad. Como me enviaste a mí al mundo, así yo los envío. Y por causa de ellos me consagro a mí mismo, para que también ellos sean consagrados por medio de la verdad.”
Unang pagbasa (Mga Gawa 1: 15–17, 20A at 20C–26)
DeleteAng pagbasa mula sa mga Gawa ng mga Apostol.
Makalipas ang ilang araw, nang nagkakatipon ang may isandaan at dalawampung mga kapatid, tumayo sa harap nila si Pedro at nagsalita, “Mga kapatid, kailangang matupad ang sinasabi sa Kasulatan na ipinahayag ng Espiritu Santo sa pamamagitan ni David tungkol kay Judas na nanguna sa mga dumakip kay Jesus. Si Judas ay kabilang sa amin at naging kasama namin sa paglilingkod.” Sinabi pa ni Pedro, “Nasusulat sa Aklat ng mga Awit, ‘Ang tirahan niya'y tuluyang layuan, at huwag nang tirhan ninuman.’ ‘Gampanan ng iba ang kanyang tungkulin.’ “Kaya't dapat pumili ng isang makakasama namin bilang saksi sa muling pagkabuhay ni Jesus. Kailangang siya'y isa sa mga kasa-kasama namin sa buong panahong kasama kami ng Panginoong Jesus, mula nang bautismuhan ni Juan si Jesus hanggang sa siya ay iniakyat sa langit.” Kaya't iminungkahi nila ang dalawang lalaki, si Matias at si Jose na tinatawag na Barsabas, na kilala rin sa pangalang Justo. Pagkatapos, sila'y nanalangin, “Panginoon, alam ninyo kung ano ang nasa puso ng lahat ng tao. Ipakita po ninyo sa amin kung sino sa dalawang ito ang inyong pinili upang maglingkod bilang apostol kapalit ni Judas na tumalikod sa kanyang tungkulin nang siya'y pumunta sa lugar na nararapat sa kanya.” Nagpalabunutan sila at si Matias ang napili. Kaya't siya ay idinagdag sa labing-isang apostol.
Ikalawang pagbasa (1 Juan 4: 11–16)
Ang pagbasa mula sa unang sulat ni San Juan.
Mga minamahal, kung ganoon kadakila ang pag-ibig ng Diyos sa atin, dapat din tayong magmahalan. Kailanma'y wala pang taong nakakita sa Diyos, ngunit kung tayo'y nagmamahalan, nasa atin ang Diyos at nagiging ganap sa atin ang kanyang pag-ibig. Nalalaman nating nananatili tayo sa Diyos at siya naman sa atin, sapagkat pinagkalooban niya tayo ng kanyang Espiritu. Nakita namin at pinapatotohanang isinugo ng Ama ang kanyang Anak upang iligtas ang sanlibutan. Ang nagpapahayag na si Jesus ang Anak ng Diyos ay nananatili sa Diyos, at ang Diyos nama'y nananatili sa kanya. Nalalaman nating tayo'y iniibig ng Diyos at lubos tayong nananalig sa katotohanang ito. Ang Diyos ay pag-ibig. Ang nagpapatuloy sa pag-ibig ay nananatili sa Diyos, at ang Diyos ay nananatili naman sa kanya.
Ebanghelyo (Juan 17: 11–19)
Ang magandang balita ayon kay San Juan.
At ngayon, ako'y papunta na sa iyo; iniiwan ko na ang sanlibutang ito, ngunit sila ay nasa sanlibutan pa. Amang banal, ingatan mo po sila sa pamamagitan ng kapangyarihan ng iyong pangalan, ang pangalang ibinigay mo sa akin, upang kung paanong ikaw at ako ay iisa, gayundin naman sila'y maging isa. Habang kasama nila ako, iningatan ko sila sa pamamagitan ng kapangyarihan ng iyong pangalan, ang pangalang ibinigay mo sa akin. Pinangalagaan ko sila at walang napahamak sa kanila, maliban sa taong tiyak na mapapahamak, upang matupad ang kasulatan. Ngunit ngayon, ako'y papunta na sa iyo, at sinasabi ko ito habang ako'y nasa sanlibutan pa upang mapuspos sila ng aking kagalakan. Naibigay ko na sa kanila ang iyong salita, at kinapootan sila ng sanlibutan, sapagkat hindi na sila taga-sanlibutan, tulad ko na hindi taga-sanlibutan. Hindi ko idinadalanging kunin mo sila sa sanlibutan, kundi iligtas mo sila sa Masama! Hindi sila taga-sanlibutan, tulad ko na hindi rin taga-sanlibutan. Ibukod mo sila para sa iyo sa pamamagitan ng katotohanan; ang salita mo ang katotohanan. Kung paanong isinugo mo ako sa sanlibutan, gayundin naman, isinusugo ko sila sa sanlibutan. At alang-alang sa kanila'y itinalaga ko ang aking sarili para sa iyo, upang maitalaga rin sila sa katotohanan.
Responsorial psalm (Psalm 47) (Verses 2–3 and 6–9)
ReplyDeleteGod mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord. (Or you may respond: Alleluia.)
All you peoples, clap your hands, shout to God with cries of gladness, For the LORD, the Most High, the awesome, is the great king over all the earth.
God mounts his throne amid shouts of joy; the LORD, amid trumpet blasts. Sing praise to God, sing praise; sing praise to our king, sing praise.
For king of all the earth is God; sing hymns of praise. God reigns over the nations, God sits upon his holy throne.
This responsorial psalm is taken from the New American Bible.
DeleteThis responsorial psalm is for the Ascension of the Lord celebration.
DeleteResponsorial Psalm (Psalm 47) (Verses 2–3 and 6–9)
ReplyDeleteThe response is: God mounts His throne to shouts of joy; a blare of trumpets for the Lord.
Clap your hands, all you peoples; acclaim God with shouts of joy. For the Lord, the Most High, is to be feared; he is a great king all over the earth.
God ascends amid joyful shouts, the Lord amid trumpet blasts. Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
God is king of all the earth; sing to him a hymn of praise. For God now rules over the nations, God reigns from his holy throne.
This responsorial psalm is taken from the Catholic Pastoral Edition Bible.
DeleteThis responsorial psalm is for the Ascension of the Lord celebration.
DeleteAlleluia, alleluia.
ReplyDeleteGo and teach all nations, says the Lord; I am with you always, until the end of the world.
Alleluia, alleluia.
This gospel acclamation is read during the Ascension of the Lord celebration.
DeleteThe priest's homily lasted for 7'35"12.
DeleteThe following foreign language readings are read during the Ascension of the Lord mass.
ReplyDeletePrimera lectura (Hechos de los Apóstoles 1: 1–11)
DeleteUna lectura de los Hechos de los Apóstoles.
En mi primer Libro, querido Teófilo, me referí a todo lo que hizo y enseñó Jesús, desde el comienzo, hasta el día en que subió al cielo, después de haber dado, por medio del Espíritu Santo, sus últimas instrucciones a los Apóstoles que había elegido. Después de su Pasión, Jesús se manifestó a ellos dándoles numerosas pruebas de que vivía, y durante cuarenta días se le apareció y les habló del Reino de Dios. En una ocasión, mientras estaba comiendo con ellos, les recomendó que no se alejaran de Jerusalén y esperaran la promesa del Padre: “La promesa, les dijo, que yo les he anunciado. Porque Juan bautizó con agua, pero ustedes serán bautizados en el Espíritu Santo, dentro de pocos días.” Los que estaban reunidos le preguntaron: “Señor, ¿es ahora cuando vas a restaurar el reino de Israel?” Él les respondió: “No les corresponde a ustedes conocer el tiempo y el momento que el Padre ha establecido con su propia autoridad. Pero recibirán la fuerza del Espíritu Santo que descenderá sobre ustedes, y serán mis testigos en Jerusalén, en toda Judea y Samaria, y hasta los confines de la tierra.” Dicho esto, los Apóstoles lo vieron elevarse, y una nube lo ocultó de la vista de ellos. Como permanecían con la mirada puesta en el cielo mientras Jesús subía, se les aparecieron dos hombres vestidos de blanco, que les dijeron: “Hombres de Galilea, ¿por qué siguen mirando al cielo? Este Jesús que les ha sido quitado y fue elevado al cielo, vendrá de la misma manera que lo han visto partir.”
Salmo responsorial (Salmo 47) (Versículos 2–3 y 6–9)
La respuesta es: Dios asciende a su trono por los gritos de alegría; el sonido de trompetas para el Señor.
• Aplaudan, todos los pueblos, aclamen a Dios con gritos de alegría; porque el Señor, el Altísimo, es temible, es el soberano de toda la tierra.
• Dios asciende entre aclamaciones, asciende al sonido de trompetas. Canten, canten a nuestro Dios, canten, canten a nuestro Rey.
• Dios es el Rey de toda la tierra, cántenle un hermoso himno. Dios reina sobre las naciones, Dios se sienta en su trono sagrado.
Segunda lectura (Efesios 1: 17–23) (Opción 1)
DeleteUna lectura de la carta de San Pablo a los Efesios.
Que el Dios de nuestro Señor Jesucristo, el Padre de la gloria, les conceda un espíritu de sabiduría y de revelación que les permita conocerlo verdaderamente. Que él ilumine sus corazones, para que ustedes puedan valorar la esperanza a la que han sido llamados, los tesoros de gloria que encierra su herencia entre los santos, y la extraordinaria grandeza del poder con que él obra en nosotros, los creyentes, por la eficacia de su fuerza. Este es el mismo poder que Dios manifestó en Cristo, cuando lo resucitó de entre los muertos y lo hizo sentar a su derecha en el cielo, elevándolo por encima de todo Principado, Potestad, Poder y Dominación, y de cualquier otra dignidad que pueda mencionarse tanto en este mundo como en el futuro. Él puso todas las cosas bajo sus pies y lo constituyó, por encima de todo, Cabeza de la Iglesia, que es su Cuerpo y la Plenitud de aquel que llena completamente todas las cosas.
Segunda lectura (Efesios 4: 1–13) (Opción 2)
Una lectura de la carta de San Pablo a los efesios.
Yo, que estoy preso por el Señor, los exhorto a comportarse de una manera digna de la vocación que han recibido. Con mucha humildad, mansedumbre y paciencia, sopórtense mutuamente por amor. Traten de conservar la unidad del Espíritu mediante el vínculo de la paz. Hay un solo Cuerpo y un solo Espíritu, así como hay una misma esperanza, a la que ustedes han sido llamados, de acuerdo con la vocación recibida. Hay un solo Señor, una sola fe, un solo bautismo. Hay un solo Dios y Padre de todos, que está sobre todos, lo penetra todo y está en todos. Sin embargo, cada uno de nosotros ha recibido su propio don, en la medida que Cristo los ha distribuido. Por eso dice la Escritura: “Cuando subió a lo alto, llevó consigo a los cautivos y repartió dones a los hombres.” Pero si decimos que subió, significa que primero descendió a las regiones inferiores de la tierra. El que descendió es el mismo que subió más allá de los cielos, para colmar todo el universo. Él comunicó a unos el don de ser apóstoles, a otros profetas, a otros predicadores del Evangelio, a otros pastores o maestros. Así organizó a los santos para la obra del ministerio, en orden a la edificación del Cuerpo de Cristo, hasta que todos lleguemos a la unidad de la fe y del conocimiento del Hijo de Dios, al estado de hombre perfecto y a la madurez que corresponde a la plenitud de Cristo.
Evangelio (Marcos 16: 15–20)
DeleteUna lectura del Evangelio Santo según el San Marcos.
Y Jesús les dijo a sus once discípulos: “Vayan por todo el mundo y anuncien la Buena Nueva a toda la creación. El que crea y se bautice, se salvará; el que se niegue a creer será condenado. Estas señales acompañarán a los que crean: en mi Nombre echarán demonios y hablarán nuevas lenguas; tomarán con sus manos serpientes y, si beben algún veneno, no les hará daño; impondrán las manos sobre los enfermos y quedarán sanos.” Después de hablarles, el Señor Jesús fue llevado al cielo y se sentó a la derecha de Dios. Ellos, por su parte, salieron a predicar en todos los lugares. El Señor actuaba con ellos y confirmaba el mensaje con los milagros que los acompañaban.
Unang pagbasa (Mga Gawa 1: 1–11)
DeleteAng pagbasa mula sa mga Gawa ng mga Apostol.
Mahal kong Teofilo, sa aking unang aklat ay isinalaysay ko ang lahat ng ginawa at itinuro ni Jesus buhat sa pasimula hanggang sa araw na siya'y umakyat sa langit. Bago siya umakyat, sa pamamagitan ng kapangyarihan ng Espiritu Santo ay nag-iwan siya ng mga bilin sa kanyang mga apostol na kanyang hinirang. Sa loob ng apatnapung araw pagkatapos ng kanyang pagkamatay, nagpakita siya sa kanila at sa pamamagitan ng maraming katibayan ay pinatunayan niyang siya'y buháy. Nagturo siya sa kanila tungkol sa paghahari ng Diyos. Samantalang siya'y kasama pa nila, pinagbilinan sila ni Jesus, “Huwag muna kayong aalis sa Jerusalem. Sa halip, hintayin ninyo roon ang ipinangako ng Ama na sinabi ko na sa inyo. Si Juan ay nagbautismo sa tubig, ngunit di magtatagal at babautismuhan kayo sa Espiritu Santo.” Nang magkatipon si Jesus at ang mga alagad, nagtanong sila kay Jesus, “Panginoon, itatatag na po ba ninyong muli ang kaharian ng Israel?” Sumagot si Jesus, “Ang mga panahon at pagkakataon ay itinakda ng Ama sa kanyang sariling kapangyarihan, at hindi na kailangan pang malaman ninyo kung kailan iyon. Subalit tatanggap kayo ng kapangyarihan pagbaba sa inyo ng Espiritu Santo, at kayo'y magiging mga saksi ko sa Jerusalem, sa buong Judea at sa Samaria, at hanggang sa dulo ng daigdig.” Pagkasabi nito, si Jesus ay iniakyat sa langit habang ang mga alagad ay nakatingin sa kanya, at natakpan siya ng ulap. Habang sila'y nakatitig sa langit at siya'y iniaakyat, may dalawang lalaking nakaputi na lumitaw sa tabi nila. Sabi nila, “Kayong mga taga-Galilea, bakit kayo nakatayo rito at nakatingin sa langit? Itong si Jesus na umakyat sa langit ay magbabalik gaya ng nakita ninyong pag-akyat niya.”
Ikalawang pagbasa (Efeso 1: 17–23) (Unang pagpili)
Ang pagbabasa sa sulat ni San Pablo sa mga taga-Efeso.
Idinadalangin ko sa Diyos ng ating Panginoong Jesu-Cristo, ang maluwalhating Ama, na pagkalooban niya kayo ng espiritu ng karunungan at pagpapahayag tungkol sa Diyos upang lubos ninyo siyang makilala. Nawa'y liwanagan ng Diyos ang inyong mga puso upang malaman ninyo ang pag-asa na para doon ay tinawag niya kayo, kung gaano kasagana ang pagpapalang inilaan niya para sa kanyang mga banal, at kung ano ang di-masukat niyang kapangyarihan na kumikilos sa atin na mga nananalig sa kanya. Ang dakilang kapangyarihan ding iyon ang muling bumuhay kay Cristo at nag-upo sa kanya sa kanan ng Diyos sa kalangitan. Mula roon ay namumuno si Cristo sa lahat ng paghahari, kapamahalaan, kapangyarihan, at pamunuan sa kalangitan. Higit na dakila ang kanyang pangalan kaysa sa lahat, hindi lamang sa panahong ito kundi maging sa darating. Ipinailalim ng Diyos sa paa ni Cristo ang lahat ng bagay, at ginawa siyang ulo ng lahat ng bagay para sa iglesya, na siyang katawan ni Cristo, ang kapuspusan niya na pumupuno sa lahat ng bagay.
Ikalawang pagbasa (Efeso 4: 1–13) (Ikalawang pagpili)
DeleteAng pagbasa mula sa sulat ni San Pablo sa mga taga-Efeso.
Kaya't ako, na isang bilanggo dahil sa Panginoon, ay nakikiusap sa inyo na mamuhay kayo gaya ng nararapat sa mga tinawag ng Diyos. Kayo'y maging mapagpakumbaba, mahinahon at matiyaga. Magparaya kayo dahil sa inyong pagmamahal sa isa't isa. Sikapin ninyong mapanatili ang pagkakaisang mula sa Espiritu, sa pamamagitan ng kapayapaang nagbubuklod sa inyo. May iisang katawan at iisang Espiritu, kung paanong may iisang pag-asa na para doon kayo'y tinawag ng Diyos. May iisang Panginoon, iisang pananampalataya at iisang bautismo, iisang Diyos at Ama nating lahat. Siya ay higit sa lahat, kumikilos sa lahat, at nananatili sa lahat. Ang bawat isa sa ati'y nakatanggap ng tanging kaloob, ayon sa sukat na ibinigay ni Cristo. Ganito ang sinasabi ng kasulatan: “Nang umakyat siya sa kalangitan, nagdala siya ng maraming bihag, at nagbigay ng mga kaloob sa mga tao.” Anong ibig sabihin ng “umakyat siya”? Ang ibig sabihin niyan ay bumabâ muna siya sa mga kailalimang bahagi ng lupa. Ang bumabâ ay siya rin namang umakyat sa kaitaasan ng kalangitan upang mapuno ng kanyang presensya ang buong sangnilikha. At binigyan niya ang ilan ng kaloob upang maging mga apostol, ang iba nama'y mga propeta, ang iba'y mga ebanghelista, at ang iba'y mga pastor at mga guro. Ginawa niya ito upang ihanda sa paglilingkod ang lahat ng mga hinirang, upang maging matatag ang katawan ni Cristo, hanggang makarating tayo sa pagkakaisa ng pananampalataya at pagkakilala sa Anak ng Diyos, at maging ganap ang ating pagkatao ayon sa pagiging-ganap ni Cristo.
Ebanghelyo (Marcos 16: 15–20)
Ang magandang balita ayon kay San Marcos.
At sinabi ni Jesus sa kanila, “Humayo kayo sa buong mundo at ipangaral ang Magandang Balita sa lahat ng tao. Ang sinumang sumasampalataya at mabautismuhan ay maliligtas, ngunit ang ayaw sumampalataya ay paparusahan. Ang mga sumasampalataya ay bibigyan ng kapangyarihang gumawa ng mga himala: sa pangalan ko'y magpapalayas sila ng mga demonyo at magsasalita ng iba't ibang wika. Hindi sila mapapahamak kahit dumampot sila ng ahas o makainom ng lason; at gagaling ang mga maysakit na papatungan nila ng kamay.” Pagkatapos niyang magsalita sa kanila, ang Panginoong Jesus ay iniakyat sa langit at umupo sa kanan ng Diyos. Humayo nga at nangaral ang mga alagad sa lahat ng dako. Tinulungan sila ng Panginoon sa gawaing ito. Pinatunayan niyang totoo ang kanilang ipinapangaral sa pamamagitan ng mga himala na ipinagkaloob niya sa kanila.