The Ascension of the Lord

"Men of Galilee, why gaze in wonder at the heavens? This Jesus whom you saw ascending into heaven will return as you saw him go, alleluia."

Collect: (I often copy the Collect as it is often not heard and yet, it sets the tone for the Liturgy and we should be aware of what we are asking in each Eucharist)
"Gladden us with holy joys, almighty God,
and make us rejoice with devout thanksgiving,
for the Ascension of Christ your Son is our exaltation,
and where the Head has gone before in glory,
the Body is called to follow in hope.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever."

Actually, there is an alternative Collect that asks that we "may in spirit dwell in heavenly realms". 
I like the request to be gladdened with holy joys and to be made to rejoice with thanksgiving so will pray with the first Collect.

Then we have the account of the Ascension given at the very beginning of the Acts of the Apostles. 
The Gospel will tell us to go out to all the world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Pope Francis is telling us the same.

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers reading this blog!