SUNDAY, MAY 17TH, 2026
SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER​

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INTRODUCTION​

In these days between Ascension and Pentecost, we gather with the disciples in
     the upper room, waiting for the Spirit to transform the church around the world. In
     today’s gospel Jesus prays for his followers and for their mission in his name.
     Amid religious, social, and economic divisions, we seek the unity that Jesus had
     with his Father. Made one in baptism, we go forth to live our faith in the world,
     eager for the unity that God intends for the whole human family.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

O God of glory, your Son Jesus Christ suffered for us and ascended to your right    
     hand. Unite us with Christ and each other in suffering and in joy, that all the world
     may be drawn into your bountiful presence, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord,
     who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.​

FIRST READING

ACTS 1:6-14
Today’s reading is part of the introduction to the narrative of the outpouring of the
     Spirit on Pentecost. These verses tell of the risen Lord’s conversation with his
     disciples on the eve of his ascension, in which he promises that they will receive
     the power of the Holy Spirit.

6 When [the apostles] had come together, they asked [Jesus], “Lord, is this the
     time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He replied, “It is not for you to
     know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you
     will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my
     witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
     9 When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud
     took him out of their sight. 10 While he was going and they were gazing up
     toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. 11 They said,
     “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who
     has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw
     him go into heaven.”

     12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near
     Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. 13 When they had entered the city,
     they went to the room upstairs where they were staying: Peter, and John, and
     James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son
     of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 All these were
     constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including   
     Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.​

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PSALM

PSALM 68:1-10, 32-35
(Response) Sing to God, who rides upon the clouds. (Ps. 68:4)

1 Let God arise, and let God’s enemies be scattered;
let those who hate God flee.
2 As smoke is driven away, so you should drive them away;
as the wax melts before the fire,
        so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
3 But let the righteous be glad and rejoice before God;
let them also be merry and joyful.
4 Sing to God, sing praises to God’s name; exalt the one who rides the clouds;
I Am is that name, rejoice before God!
(Response) Sing to God, who rides upon the clouds. (Ps. 68:4)

5 In your holy habitation, O God,
  you are a father to orphans, defender of widows;
  6 you give the solitary a home and bring forth prisoners into freedom;
  but the rebels shall live in desert places.
  7 O God, when you went forth before your people,
  when you marched through the wilderness,
  8 the earth quaked, and the skies poured down rain,
        at the presence of God, the God of Sinai,
at the presence of God, the God of Israel.
9 You sent a bountiful rain, O God;
you restored your inheritance when it languished.
10 Your people found their home in it;
in your goodness, O God, you have made provision for the poor.
(Response) Sing to God, who rides upon the clouds. (Ps. 68:4)

32 Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth;
sing praises to the Lord.
33 You ride in the heavens, O God, in the ancient heavens;
you send forth your voice, your mighty voice.
34 Ascribe power to God,
whose majesty is over Israel; whose strength is in the skies.
35 How wonderful you are in your holy places, O God of Israel,
giving strength and power to your people! Blessed be God!
(Response) Sing to God, who rides upon the clouds. (Ps. 68:4)

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SECOND READING

1ST PETER 4:12-14; 5:6-11
Our faith in Christ does not make us immune from the scorn of others.
     Nevertheless, we are to resist the designs of evil when we experience
     disparagement from others because we trust God’s grace will strengthen and
     guide us.

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you
     to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice
     insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and
     shout for joy when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are reviled for the name of
     Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is
     resting on you.

     5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may
     exalt you in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.
     8 Discipline yourselves; keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil
     prowls around, looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in your
     faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing
     the same kinds of suffering. 10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the
     God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself
     restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the power forever
     and ever. Amen.​

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​​​​GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Alleluia. I will not leave you orphaned, says the Lord. I am coming to you. Alleluia. (John 14:18)

GOSPEL READING

JOHN 17:1-11
    On the night before his crucifixion, Jesus prays to his heavenly Father, asking
     that those who continue his work in this world will live in unity.

1 After Jesus had spoken these words [to his disciples,] he looked up to heaven
     and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify
     you, 2 since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all
     whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the
     only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth
     by finishing the work that you gave me to do. 5 So now, Father, glorify me in your
     own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.

     6 “I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world.
     They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word.
     7 Now they know that everything you have given me is from you, 8 for the words
     that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know
     in truth that I came from you, and they have believed that you sent me. 9 I am
     asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world but on behalf of
     those whom you gave me, because they are yours. 10 All mine are yours, and
     yours are mine, and I have been glorified in them. 11 And now I am no longer in
     the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect
     them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.”​

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