Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

"I am with you always to the end of time."

Jesus came up and spoke to them. He said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore, make disciples of all nations; baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe everything I have commanded you. And look, I am with you always to the end of time.” Mt 28: 18-20

This is the Risen Christ embracing his mission to extend to the whole world. This is our mission too in word and action.

Readings

Acts 1: 1-11 Why are you standing here looking into the sky? Jesus has been taken into heaven.

Ps 46. R. God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.

Eph 1:17-23 He made Jesus to sit at his right hand in heaven.

Alleluia, alleluia! Go and teach all people my gospel. I am with you always until the end of the world. Alleluia.

Mat 28: 16-20 All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

 

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"Go therefore make disciples of all nations."

Prayer of the Faithful - starters...

For the Church: that we may be transformed through our encounters with the living Christ and be instruments of healing and forgiveness in our broken world.

Invocation:  E te Ariki … Response: Whakarongo mai rā ki a mātou

For the gift of peace: that God will open new pathways for dialogue and inspire the leaders of nations who are caught up in conflict and war to work towards long lasting peace for all.

Invocation:  E te Ariki … Response: Whakarongo mai rā ki a mātou

For all who struggle with doubts and fear: that Christ may calm their fears and touch their hearts with peace.

Invocation:  E te Ariki … Response: Whakarongo mai rā ki a mātou

For all whose faith is challenged by poverty, violence and the suffering of the innocent: that the message of the resurrection may offer a new vision and hope of what God can do energising us to go out and transform the world.

Invocation:  E te Ariki … Response: Whakarongo mai rā ki a mātou

For openness of spirit: that we may accept and be renewed by God’s gift of unconditional love and mercy each day.

Invocation:  E te Ariki … Response: Whakarongo mai rā ki a mātou