EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
THROUGH THE LITURGICAL YEAR (# 24)
A Weekly Pastoral Tool for the YEAR OF THE EUCHARIST
Ascension of the Lord, Year A
May 8-14, 2005
“All Power Has Been Given To Me”
(+) In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
(A moment of silence)
SONG: Any suitable Eucharistic hymn or Easter song may be sung.
WORDS OF BLESSED JAMES ALBERIONE
In celebrating this triumphal reality, the sacred liturgy calls us to rejoicing: “All you peoples, clap your hands. Shout to God with cries of gladness” (Ps 47:2) …
The ascension puts the finishing touches on the way which God has shown to us. Jesus Christ, who is the way to the Father – way in example, doctrine, grace, and in his living humanity itself – now shines forth as the way in his marvelous ascension: “ascending on high”.
While we glorify the Lord Jesus ascended in splendor, let us revive our faith in our future ascension into heaven. After the resurrection of the dead, body and soul reunited, we, too, will ascend into heaven, if we live now our own paschal mystery, “dying to sin and becoming conformed to Christ”, as the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy exhorts us, “that we may live no longer for ourselves but for him who died for us and rose again” (cf. II Cor 5:15) …
Let us enliven our faith in Christ’s ascension. This is the faith in Christ the way: “a new and living way” (Heb 10:20). He is the way linking earth and heaven, rejecting not the earth, but utilizing it for heaven.
SILENT ADORATION AND PRAYER
OPENING PRAYER
Leader: Let us pray that the Risen Christ will lead us to eternal life.
(Silent prayer)
God our Father,
make us joyful in the ascension of your Son Jesus Christ.
May we follow him into the new creation,
for his ascension is our glory and our hope.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God forever and ever.
Assembly:
Part I
JESUS MASTER TRUTH
Listening to the Word
GOSPEL READING: Mt 28:16-20
PERSONAL REFLECTION
(As a tool for personal reflection, please visit the PDDM Website: www.pddm.org // www.pddm.us for BREAKING THE BREAD OF THE WORD [# 24]: A Lectio Divina Approach to the Sunday Liturgy. The Biblico-Liturgical Reflections are an aid for a deeper understanding of the Gospel reading.)
SONG: Any suitable hymn of praise or Easter song may be sung.
Part II
JESUS MASTER WAY
Confrontation with the Word
POINTS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF THE HEART
Leader: The words of today’s Gospel have the power to move us into a deeper communication with the Risen Lord. In light of the impelling words of the Gospel, let us make an examination of the heart.
1. Do we believe that God has bestowed the fullness of divine authority on Jesus, the Risen Lord, glorified as the Christ and ruler of the universe? Do we humbly and lovingly submit to his absolute dominion over us?
2. How do we realize the apostolic command, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations …” (Mt 28:19)?
3. Do we firmly believe in the assurance of Jesus’ abiding presence, “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of time” (Mt 28:20)? How do we translate this divine assurance into a hope-filled life of discipleship and apostleship?
PENITENTIAL PRAYER
Leader: Lord Jesus, you came down to the depths of our miseries.
Have mercy on us and take away our sins.
And now that you are raised in glory,
take us up with you in your joy,
for you are our Lord and Master,
forever and ever.
Assembly: Amen.
SONG: Any suitable song may be sung.
Part III
JESUS LIFE
Acting upon the Word
PERSONAL PRAYER
CONTEMPLATING WITH MARY THE FACE OF CHRIST: The Mysteries of the Rosary may be prayed in part or in full.
THE WAY OF SOLIDARITY: PRAYER OF INTERCESSION
Leader: My brothers and sisters, through this common prayer, let us pray to our Lord Jesus Christ, ascended into heaven, not only for ourselves and for our own needs, but for all mankind. We implore him:
(R.) LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER.
1. For all baptized Christians: that they may be strengthened, renewed and transformed anew by the power of the living Word proclaimed in the liturgy of the Lord’s ascension. We pray: (R.)
2. For all missionary personnel, especially those working with the poor and destitute and those dedicated to the task of inculturation: that they may trust fully in the power of the glorified Lord, enthroned in heaven, and in his abiding presence. We pray: (R.)
3. For the modern means of social communication: that they may be rightly used to proclaim the saving Gospel to all nations. We pray: (R.)
4. For the Holy Father’s General Intention for this month of May: FOR PEOPLE PERSECUTED FOR THE SAKE OF FAITH AND JUSTICE: May they find consolation and strength in the Holy Spirit. We pray: (R.)
5. For the Holy Father’s Mission Intention for this month of May: FOR THE PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES: May they help all Christians, young and old, realize that they have a part to play in missionary work. We pray: (R.)
(Other prayers may be added.)
THE LORD’S PRAYER
CONCLUDING PRAYER
Leader: God our Father,
in the Eucharistic mystery,
the glorified Lord Jesus
continues to fulfill his promise of abiding presence.
Strengthened by the power of his Word
and nourished by his sacrificial meal,
may we go out to the whole world
and make disciples of all nations.
We ask this in the name of Jesus,
who sits at your right hand
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
now and forever.
Assembly: Amen.
FINAL SONG: Any suitable Eucharistic hymn or Easter song may be sung.
Prepared by Sr. Mary Margaret Tapang PDDM
PIAE DISCIPULAE DIVINI MAGISTRI
SISTER DISCIPLES OF THE DIVINE MASTER
60 Sunset Ave., Staten Island, NY 10314
Tel. (718) 494-8597 // (718) 761-2323
Website: WWW.PDDM.US