In many dioceses, the Solemnity of the Ascension is celebrated on this Sunday. Elsewhere, where Ascension Thursday has already been observed, the Church enters into a quieter moment: the Seventh Sunday of Easter, poised between departure and promise.
This is a threshold.
The Lord has returned to the Father. His earthly mission is complete. And yet, the Spirit has not yet come in fullness. The Church stands in that sacred space between what has been accomplished and what is about to be revealed.
The apostles knew this space well.
Having witnessed the glory of the Resurrection, they now face the mystery of absence. The voice they had followed, the presence that had guided them, is no longer before their eyes. And so they return to the upper room – not as a retreat from the world, but as a return to the heart.
There, together with the women and Mary, the mother of Jesus, they devote themselves to prayer. Not distracted, not divided, but of one accord.
This is the Church in her origin: gathered, attentive, waiting.
In the Gospel, we are drawn into the prayer of Christ himself. In the stillness of the Last Supper, he lifts his eyes to the Father and entrusts his disciples into divine care:
I pray for them… because they are yours.
These words echo across time. They are spoken not only for the apostles, but for all who will believe. We are included in that prayer. We are held within that communion.
To belong to Christ is to be drawn into the life of God – to share in that unity which no trial can overcome. As Saint Peter reminds us, even in suffering, the Spirit of glory rests upon us.
So the Church waits.
Not in fear, but in faith.
Not in emptiness, but in expectation.
Before the Church is sent into the world, she is first gathered in prayer – held within the heart of Christ.
7th Sunday of Easter Entrance Antiphon O Lord, Hear My Voice, for I Have Called to You (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #108
This antiphon from Psalm 27 is an appropriate text on this day when we focus on the prayer of the Church.
Entrance Chant We Belong to You (Trevor Thomson)
Spirit & Song #368; Never Too Young #269; Breaking Bread #645
The refrain of this uplifting song is in the spirit of Jesus’ prayer for the unity of his disciples in today’s Gospel.
Blessing and Sprinkling of Water I Saw Water Flowing (Casey McKinley)
Breaking Bread #644
The tuneful melody of this song for Rite of Sprinkling has quickly become a favorite of many parish communities.
Responsorial Psalm I Believe that I Shall See the Good Things of the Lord (Sarah Kroger)
Spirit & Psalm 2026: p. 196
Sarah Kroger’s verbatim setting of Psalm 27 has an edgy vibe.
Gospel Acclamation Alleluia (based on “Ye Sons and Daughters”) (Josh Blakesley)
Spirit & Psalm 2026: p. 198
We’re still in the Easter season and Josh Blakesley once again offers a setting of the Gospel Acclamation with the “Ye Sons and Daughters” melody.
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts One Sacrifice of Christ (Robert Feduccia and Rick Modlin)
Spirit & Song #189; Breaking Bread #197
This thoughtful Ascension hymn embraces the Church’s joy in Christ’s mission and promise.
7th Sunday of Easter Communion Antiphon Father, I Pray that They May Be One (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #109
The antiphon setting of John 17:22 is from the heartfelt prayer of Jesus for his disciples.
Communion Chant Beautiful Is Your Love (Josh Blakesley, Sarah Hart and Mark Byrd)
Breaking Bread #377
This contemporary song might be seen as a disciple’s response of thanksgiving to Jesus’ prayer in today’s Gospel.
Sending Forth With One Voice (Ricky Manalo, CSP)
Spirit & Song #232; Never Too Young #38; Breaking Bread #392
Here is a spirited song of unity that sends us forth to bring the Word to the world.
Liturgy Blog is a weekly liturgy planning resource for musicians, liturgists, homilists, youth groups, faith sharing groups, and all who look to the liturgical readings for inspiration and nourishment. Join Ken Canedo as he breaks open the Scripture and suggests tracks from the Spirit & Song contemporary repertoire.
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