Page 7 - Summer 2022 Digital Edition Sample

May 29, 2022
The Ascension of the Lord
Today’s Readings
Acts 1:8–11 Psalm 47:1–2, 5–6, 7–8 Ephesians 1:17–21 Luke 24:50–53
Liturgy of the Word with Children
Preparation
Children’s Leaflet
Have on hand copies of the Children’s Leaflet for this Sunday. Distribute copies either at the start of the session or before the children return to the assembly.
Prepare with Prayer
“Be still and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.” The Lord of hosts is with us; our stronghold is the God of Jacob. (Psalm 46:11-12)
Scripture Background
From the very beginning, the Church has had to struggle with the human weakness of its own leaders and members. After Jesus’ work on earth had been completed and he was ready to return to Heaven, the Apostles had one last question to ask of him: “Lord, are you now going to give Israel its own king again?” (Acts 1:6).
It seems that even among first-hand witnesses of the Resurrection, political dreams die hard! Jesus’ answer to their question forms the content of today’s First Reading. Jesus says that this information is not theirs to know—in fact, it’s not even important to know. Then he outlines what is important: awaiting the arrival of the Holy Spirit and carrying the truth of the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
In the Second Reading, Paul names a few of the spiritual traits that people will possess if they have been animated by the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, hope, power—in fact, the same wonderful power that raised Jesus from the dead. Then Paul stresses the power that Christ Jesus regained after reclaiming his position at God’s right hand. (In the Scripture, the
Prepare the Meeting Space
At home, browse through newspapers and magazines to find pictures of people showing kindness to others and doing good in the world. These will be used during the homily.
In the meeting room, put some chairs in a circle, enough for each child to have a seat. (Depending on the number of children in your group, you may need more than one circle.) Have ready a music player and a recording, perhaps of a hymn stressing Christian unity. On the bottom of one chair, tape a paper with the name of Jesus on it— and remember which chair that one is! In the worship area, on a table draped with a white cloth, place:
Ô a Lectionary
Ô a battery-operated candle
Suggested Music
See page 64 for more information.
Gathering: “I Am the Way” (Seeds CD-2, Track #19) or “He Lives” (Promise & Good News CD-2, Track #4)
Gospel Acclamation: “Alleluia” (Promise & Good News CD-2, Track #24)
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Liturgy of the Word with Children
Ascension of the Lord
We Pray
Lord Jesus, we celebrate your Resurrection and your Ascension. Bless us with your love and help us live as your people.
Amen.
The Word of God This Week
Jesus Returns to
Heaven
Jesus led his disciples to Bethany, where he raised
his hands and blessed
them. As he was doing this he was taken up to Heaven. The disciples returned to Jerusalem where they spent their time praising God in the temple.
Jesus Prays for His Followers
Jesus prayed: “Father, I pray for these
followers, and for everyone else who will have faith. I want all of them to be one with each other and one with us. Then the people of this world will believe that you sent me.”
Visit https://bit.ly/3sjSNfe for this week’s Gospel Reflection, Saint Spotlight, and more.
May 29, 2022
The Ascension of the Lord or Seventh Sunday of Easter
Today’s
Readings
AEcptshe1:s8ia–n1s11; :P1s7a–lm214; L7u:1k–e22, 45:–560,–75–38
Seventh Sunday of Easter
Acts 7:55–60; Psalm 97:1, 6, 9 John 17:20–21
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