For Ascension Sunday this year, we are presented with a text from Mark (16:19-20) that shows not only the ascension of the Lord but also the spread of the Gospel “everywhere”. The Ascension underscores the fact that the quality of existence Jesus has now is different from the one he had before he died on the Cross. This changed existence — characterized as heavenly and “at the right side” of God — is the existence towards which Christians are called. It is the existence for which our baptismal consecration has empowered us to experience and for which our life in the Spirit prepares us to fully participate in. The ascent of the Lord is accompanied by a horizontal movement: the spread of the Gospel everywhere. In this horizontal movement, the disciples are not left alone, since the Lord, by His new existence, continues to work with them.
Relevant Articles
- The Mandate of the Apostles in Mark (Mark 16:15-18)
- Mark 16:19-20 He Ascended Into Heaven and is Seated at the Right Hand of the Father
- Ephesians 1:15-23 That You May Know
- Mag-aral Tayo Ang Pag-akyat sa Langit (Markos 16:19-20)
Guide for Reading the Text
A. Mark 16:19-20 is the last part of the Marcan Longer Ending that begins in 16:9. Its immediate context begins in v. 15, the appearance of Jesus to the disciples. Begin your reading at v. 15 so that you can answer the following questions about vv. 19-20
- Who was the Lord Jesus speaking to?
- What did he say?
- What two things happened to the Lord after he spoke to them?
- Who went out and preached?
- What did they preach?
- Where did they preach?
- Did the Lord leave them alone?
- What was the Lord doing as they preached?
- What were the accompanying signs?
- What is the reason for these accompanying signs?
B. Compare Mark 16:19-20 to Luke 24:50-53 and Acts 1:6-12. What are the similarities and differences?
C. Read the contexts of the following texts which contain keywords in vv. 19-20
- “taken up”
- Acts 1:2.22
- Acts 10:16
- 1 Timothy 3:16
- 2. “sit at the right hand”
- Matthew 22:44; Luke 20:42; Mark 12:36
- Mark 14:62
- Acts 2:34
- Acts 7:5-56
- Hebrews 1:13
- Psalm 110:1
Comparing the Readings
The first reading from Acts 1:1-11 shows from a different perspective Luke 24:50-53. The Lord is taken up by a cloud and two white-clad men — presumably angels — inform the disciples that he will return the same way he has gone up. This ascension narrative, in contrast to the one found in Luke 24, points to the return of the Lord at the end of time and anticipates the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost that would signal the time of the Church. The psalm used as a responsory to this reading is from Psalm 47, an enthronement psalm. Here, however, it is Yahweh who mounts the throne as the King of Israel. Ephesians 1:17-23 describes the glorification of Christ and His enthronement as Pantokrator and Head of the Church. For the connections between the second reading and the Gospel selection, read this article: Ephesians 1:15-23: That You May Know
Suggestions for the Lesson
Please read the following articles for some hints for the catechism or the homily:
- Mark 16:19-20 He Ascended Into Heaven and is Seated at the Right Hand of the Father
- Ephesians 1:15-23 That You May Know
Read also the World Day of Communications Message of Benedict XVI for 2009.
15And he said to them: Go ye into the whole world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved: but he that believeth not shall be condemned.
17And these signs shall follow them that believe: In my name they shall cast out devils: they shall speak with new tongues.
18They shall take up serpents; and if they shall drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them: they shall lay their hands upon the sick, and they shall recover.
19And the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God.
20But they going forth preached every where: the Lord working withal, and confirming the word with signs that followed.
15Wherefore I also, hearing of your faith that is in the Lord Jesus, and of your love towards all the saints,
16Cease not to give thanks for you, making commemoration of you in my prayers,
17That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and of revelation, in the knowledge of him:
18The eyes of your heart enlightened, that you may know what the hope is of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.
19And what is the exceeding greatness of his power towards us, who believe according to the operation of the might of his power,
20Which he wrought in Christ, raising him up from the dead, and setting him on his right hand in the heavenly places.
21Above all principality, and power, and virtue, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.
22And he hath subjected all things under his feet, and hath made him head over all the church,
23Which is his body, and the fulness of him who is filled all in all.
19And the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God.
20But they going forth preached every where: the Lord working withal, and confirming the word with signs that followed.
19And the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God.
20But they going forth preached every where: the Lord working withal, and confirming the word with signs that followed.
50And he led them out as far as Bethania: and lifting up his hands, he blessed them.
51And it came to pass, whilst he blessed them, he departed from them, and was carried up to heaven.
52And they adoring went back into Jerusalem with great joy.
53And they were always in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.
6They therefore who were come together, asked him, saying: Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
7But he said to them: It is not for you to know the times or moments, which the Father hath put in his own power:
8But you shall receive the power of the Holy Ghost coming upon you, and you shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the uttermost part of the earth.
9And when he had said these things, while they looked on, he was raised up: and a cloud received him out of their sight.
10And while they were beholding him going up to heaven, behold two men stood by them in white garments.
11Who also said: Ye men of Galilee, why stand you looking up to heaven? This Jesus who is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come, as you have seen him going into heaven.
12Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount that is called Olivet, which is nigh Jerusalem, within a sabbath day's journey.
2Until the day on which, giving commandments by the Holy Ghost to the apostles whom he had chosen, he was taken up.
16And this was done thrice; and presently the vessel was taken up into heaven.
16And evidently great is the mystery of godliness, which was manifested in the flesh, was justified in the spirit, appeared unto angels, hath been preached unto the Gentiles, is believed in the world, is taken up in glory.
44The Lord said to my Lord, Sit on my right hand, until I make thy enemies thy footstool?
42And David himself saith in the book of Psalms: The Lord said to my Lord, sit thou on my right hand,
36For David himself saith by the Holy Ghost: The Lord said to my Lord, Sit on my right hand, until I make thy enemies thy footstool.
62And Jesus said to him: I am. And you shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of the power of God, and coming with the clouds of heaven.
34For David ascended not into heaven; but he himself said: The Lord said to my Lord, sit thou on my right hand,
5And he gave him no inheritance in it; no, not the pace of a foot: but he promised to give it him in possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.
6And God said to him: That his seed should sojourn in a strange country, and that they should bring them under bondage, and treat them evil four hundred years.
7And the nation which they shall serve will I judge, said the Lord; and after these things they shall go out, and shall serve me in this place.
8And he gave him the covenant of circumcision, and so he begot Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begot Jacob; and Jacob the twelve patriarchs.
9And the patriarchs, through envy, sold Joseph into Egypt; and God was with him,
10And delivered him out of all his tribulations: and he gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharao, the king of Egypt; and he appointed him governor over Egypt, and over all his house.
11Now there came a famine upon all Egypt and Chanaan, and great tribulation; and our fathers found no food.
12But when Jacob had heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent our fathers first:
13And at the second time, Joseph was known by his brethren, and his kindred was made known to Pharao.
14And Joseph sending, called thither Jacob, his father, and all his kindred, seventy-five souls.
15So Jacob went down into Egypt; and he died, and our fathers.
16And they were translated into Sichem, and were laid in the sepulchre, that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Hemor, the son of Sichem.
17And when the time of the promise drew near, which God had promised to Abraham, the people increased, and were multiplied in Egypt,
18Till another king arose in Egypt, who knew not Joseph.
19This same dealing craftily with our race, afflicted our fathers, that they should expose their children, to the end they might not be kept alive.
20At the same time was Moses born, and he was acceptable to God: who was nourished three months in his father's house.
21And when he was exposed, Pharao's daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son.
22And Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians; and he was mighty in his words and in his deeds.
23And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israel.
24And when he had seen one of them suffer wrong, he defended him; and striking the Egyptian, he avenged him who suffered the injury.
25And he thought that his brethren understood that God by his hand would save them; but they understood it not.
26And the day following, he shewed himself to them when they were at strife; and would have reconciled them in peace, saying: Men, ye are brethren; why hurt you one another?
27But he that did the injury to his neighbour thrust him away, saying: Who hath appointed thee prince and judge over us?
28What, wilt thou kill me, as thou didst yesterday kill the Egyptian?
29And Moses fled upon this word, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begot two sons.
30And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the desert of mount Sina, an angel in a flame of fire in a bush.
31And Moses seeing it, wondered at the sight. And as he drew near to view it, the voice of the Lord came unto him, saying:
32I am the God of thy fathers; the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses being terrified, durst not behold.
33And the Lord said to him: Loose the shoes from thy feet, for the place wherein thou standest, is holy ground.
34Seeing I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, and I will send thee into Egypt.
35This Moses, whom they refused, saying: Who hath appointed thee prince and judge? him God sent to be prince and redeemer by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush.
36He brought them out, doing wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red Sea, and in the desert forty years.
37This is that Moses who said to the children of Israel: A prophet shall God raise up to you of your own brethren, as myself: him shall you hear.
38This is he that was in the church in the wilderness, with the angel who spoke to him on mount Sina, and with our fathers; who received the words of life to give unto us.
39Whom our fathers would not obey; but thrust him away, and in their hearts turned back into Egypt,
40Saying to Aaron: Make us gods to go before us. For as for this Moses, who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we know not what is become of him.
41And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifices to the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.
42And God turned, and gave them up to serve the host of heaven, as it is written in the books of the prophets: Did you offer victims and sacrifices to me for forty years, in the desert, O house of Israel?
43And you took unto you the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Rempham, figures which you made to adore them. And I will carry you away beyond Babylon.
44The tabernacle of the testimony was with our fathers in the desert, as God ordained for them, speaking to Moses, that he should make it according to the form which he had seen.
45Which also our fathers receiving, brought in with Jesus, into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drove out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David.
46Who found grace before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.
47But Solomon built him a house.
48Yet the most High dwelleth not in houses made by hands, as the prophet saith:
49Heaven is my throne, and the earth my footstool. What house will you build me? saith the Lord; or what is the place of my resting?
50Hath not my hand made all these things?
51You stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do you also.
52Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? And they have slain them who foretold of the coming of the Just One; of whom you have been now the betrayers and murderers:
53Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.
54Now hearing these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed with their teeth at him.
55But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looking up steadfastly to heaven, saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God. And he said: Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
56And they crying out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and with one accord ran violently upon him.
13But to which of the angels said he at any time: Sit on my right hand, until I make thy enemies thy footstool?
1The Lord said to my Lord: Sit thou at my right hand: Until I make thy enemies thy footstool.
1The former treatise I made, O Theophilus, of all things which Jesus began to do and to teach,
2Until the day on which, giving commandments by the Holy Ghost to the apostles whom he had chosen, he was taken up.
3To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion, by many proofs, for forty days appearing to them, and speaking of the kingdom of God.
4And eating together with them, he commanded them, that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but should wait for the promise of the Father, which you have heard (saith he) by my mouth.
5For John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost, not many days hence.
6They therefore who were come together, asked him, saying: Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
7But he said to them: It is not for you to know the times or moments, which the Father hath put in his own power:
8But you shall receive the power of the Holy Ghost coming upon you, and you shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the uttermost part of the earth.
9And when he had said these things, while they looked on, he was raised up: and a cloud received him out of their sight.
10And while they were beholding him going up to heaven, behold two men stood by them in white garments.
11Who also said: Ye men of Galilee, why stand you looking up to heaven? This Jesus who is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come, as you have seen him going into heaven.
50And he led them out as far as Bethania: and lifting up his hands, he blessed them.
51And it came to pass, whilst he blessed them, he departed from them, and was carried up to heaven.
52And they adoring went back into Jerusalem with great joy.
53And they were always in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.
17That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and of revelation, in the knowledge of him:
18The eyes of your heart enlightened, that you may know what the hope is of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.
19And what is the exceeding greatness of his power towards us, who believe according to the operation of the might of his power,
20Which he wrought in Christ, raising him up from the dead, and setting him on his right hand in the heavenly places.
21Above all principality, and power, and virtue, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.
22And he hath subjected all things under his feet, and hath made him head over all the church,
23Which is his body, and the fulness of him who is filled all in all.
15Wherefore I also, hearing of your faith that is in the Lord Jesus, and of your love towards all the saints,
16Cease not to give thanks for you, making commemoration of you in my prayers,
17That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and of revelation, in the knowledge of him:
18The eyes of your heart enlightened, that you may know what the hope is of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.
19And what is the exceeding greatness of his power towards us, who believe according to the operation of the might of his power,
20Which he wrought in Christ, raising him up from the dead, and setting him on his right hand in the heavenly places.
21Above all principality, and power, and virtue, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.
22And he hath subjected all things under his feet, and hath made him head over all the church,
23Which is his body, and the fulness of him who is filled all in all.
19And the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God.
20But they going forth preached every where: the Lord working withal, and confirming the word with signs that followed.
15Wherefore I also, hearing of your faith that is in the Lord Jesus, and of your love towards all the saints,
16Cease not to give thanks for you, making commemoration of you in my prayers,
17That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and of revelation, in the knowledge of him:
18The eyes of your heart enlightened, that you may know what the hope is of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.
19And what is the exceeding greatness of his power towards us, who believe according to the operation of the might of his power,
20Which he wrought in Christ, raising him up from the dead, and setting him on his right hand in the heavenly places.
21Above all principality, and power, and virtue, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.
22And he hath subjected all things under his feet, and hath made him head over all the church,
23Which is his body, and the fulness of him who is filled all in all.
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