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Ascension of the Lord • Year A
May 14, 2026
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Historical Collect
Almighty God, we believe that your Son, Jesus Christ, has ascended into the heavens to sit at your right hand. Grant that our hearts and minds may be directed there, as well, to dwell in him each day, through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Thematic Collect
Almighty God, Jesus ascended to the throne at your right hand. Help us to trust in his never-ending presence, that we may bear witness to your grace until the day we celebrate with all the saints around your throne; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
The Common Thread
“God has gone up with a shout!” proclaims the psalmist. This is our hope: that Christ is seated in the heavenly places at the right hand of the Father. The Spirit enlightens our hearts with such hope, for without it, we have no hope of ascension. If Christ has not gone up with a shout, we remain with a whimper. When Jesus opens our minds to understand the Scriptures, we see that he has been carried up into heaven and will come again to take us to the place he has prepared for us (John 14:1-2).
First Reading • Acts 1:1–11
We can do no better than gaze into the heavens unless we are baptized and empowered by the Holy Spirit. However, when we are baptized and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we become Christ’s witnesses — not only where we live, but to the remotest parts of the earth. Previously our concern was heaven, but now we are to concern ourselves with the earth, with preaching the Gospel to the ends of the earth so that others may be caught up to heaven (Philippians 1:21).
Psalm • Psalm 47:1–9
How does the Lord subdue peoples and nations under his feet (Psalm 47:3) and reign over the nations (Psalm 47:8) but by his word? His word goes forth and accomplishes the very thing God intends (Isaiah 55:11). So preach, teach, and be his witnesses, knowing that God is in the word that comes from your mouth. Blessed is the one who shares, and blessed is the one who hears (Revelation 1:3). Praise the Lord!
Second Reading • Ephesians 1:15–23
It is one thing to hope for something. It is another thing altogether to know hope. People buy a lottery ticket, hoping that they will strike it rich and have no more financial worries. Others are content with their situation (Philippians 4:12) and do not worry, knowing God cares for them. Entering into this sort of hoping requires enlightenment or spiritual insight. Such insight allows a person to rest in the hope that is God himself, knowing that she is already gloriously rich.
Gospel • Luke 24:44–53
The gospel narratives are replete with examples of the disciples not understanding what Jesus was teaching them (Luke 9:45; 18:34). The more amusing incidents are when he had taught the multitudes with a parable and the disciples waited until they were alone with him to ask what he meant. In our Gospel reading today, we see that explanations will no longer be required because Jesus opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. Their new understanding of the essential death and resurrection of Jesus is in contrast to their earlier lack of perception when he foretold his death and resurrection (Luke 18:34). These essentials would now be preached by them so the eyes of others would be opened by the same power of the Spirit the disciples are told to await. And in our time, if we do not preach the Gospel, how will the Lord open minds to the Scriptures (Romans 10:17)?
Resources
Links to Worship Resources for this Service
