Ascension of the Lord – Year A
24 May 2020
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“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
Something to Think About
Jesus says to the disciples, and to us, “I am with you always”. Think of some ways you know that Jesus is with you in your life. Now it is up to us to continue Jesus’ work on earth through our actions. The Holy Spirit will help us to show love, and let us know what to say.
The Story
In today’s gospel, Jesus takes the disciples to a mountain in Galilee to prepare them for his return to his father in heaven. Jesus does three things for the disciples.
- He reminds them of his power: ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth’.
- He commissions them to a mission: ‘Go and baptise’ and make disciples!
- He tells them that he is not deserting them: ‘I will be with you always, even until the end of time.’
The Scriptures
A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew 28:16-20
Jesus’ eleven disciples went to a mountain in Galilee,
where Jesus had told them to meet him.
They saw him and worshipped him, but some of them doubted.
Jesus came to them and said:
“I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth!
Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples.
Baptise them in the name of the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
and teach them to do everything I have told you.
“I will be with you always,
even until the end of the world.”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Family Discussion
Has someone you love very much gone away for a long time, maybe a holiday?
Talk about how you felt when you said goodbye.
Our memories of times with the person who has gone away often help us when we are missing them. How do you think the disciples felt when Jesus told them that he was going away? Jesus knew his friends would be sad and afraid but he told them that he would be with them always.
What are some of your favourite stories about Jesus?
Family Activity
The Ascension calls us to get busy spreading the Good News of Jesus!
Play the Telephone Game: the first person in the line or circle whispers a good news message about Jesus into the ear of the person sitting or standing to their right.
Continue until the last person receives the message which they share with the whole family. Make sure everyone in the family has a chance to share their Good News message from Jesus.