Lection Connection for the Sixth Sunday after Easter can be found here.
Please see How to Use Lection Connection.
Full lections can be read here.
Based on the Readings as Set
First Reading (Acts 1:1-11)
After his resurrection Jesus teaches his disciples about the kingdom of God for forty days. He tells them to wait for the baptism in the Holy Spirit to enable them to be witnesses even to the ends of the earth. As he rises into a cloud, he promises that he will return in the same way.
Psalm (47)
All peoples are called to joyful praise of the Lord because he is king over all the earth, having subdued it through his people Israel. He has gone up to his throne over all other powers with great acclaim and so the call goes for all the nations to honour him as their God as well.
OR
Alternate Psalm (93)
The Lord is the everlasting and universal king of creation, his creation. He is far more majestic than even the awesome thunder of the heavens or the crashing waves of the sea. His laws are sure and his house is holy.
Second Reading (Ephesians 1:15-23)
Having heard of the faith and love of the Ephesians, Paul gives thanks and prays that they will know the rich hope to which they are called. God will do this, whose power raised Jesus from the dead and seated him on high over all other authorities as the head of the church, his body.
Gospel (Luke 24:44-53)
In his last resurrection appearance Jesus shows his disciples how the Scriptures predicted his suffering and rising. Witnesses to this, they are to proclaim repentance and forgiveness in his name even to the ends of the earth. With that he blesses them and ascends into heaven.
CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS
- The ascension of Jesus to the Father marks the end of his earthly ministry and the beginning of his ministry extended through the church
- The ascension of Jesus reveals his true position as the authoritative Son of God
- Jesus’ followers are to carry the gospel of his kingdom to all the earth and all its inhabitants
- Jesus ascends to a place beside God as universal king over all the nations
SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)
Go and make disciples of all nations, says the Lord; I am with you always, to the close of the age. Matthew 28.19, 20
COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)
Almighty God,
your Son Jesus Christ ascended to the throne of heaven that he might rule over all things as Lord.
Keep the Church in the unity of the Spirit
and in the bond of his peace,
and bring the whole of creation
to worship at his feet,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN