Hymns for the Ascension of the Lord - Year A (18 or 21 May 2023)

A selection of free-to-use (ie public domain or copyright-free) hymns and songs, based on themes from the Roman Catholic lectionary for the feast of the Ascension of the Lord, Year A.

"Free-to-use" means the words can be copied and sung to at least one tune with no concerns about copyright or performance licensing. Many such hymns are old/traditional - but where possible a variety of styles / genres are included.

Seasonal Note

In some countries, the Ascension is celebrated on a Sunday, while in others it is a mid-week feast and the 7th Sunday of Easter is also observed.  See your local liturgical calendar for details.

Readings

First: Acts 1:1-11 - Paul recalls that Jesus said "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you" - and as he said this he was lifted up and a cloud took him from their sight.

Psalm: 46 - God goes up with shouts of joy, the Lord goes up with trumpet blast / All peoples clap your hands / God goes up with shouts of joy / God is king of all the earth.

Second: Ephesians 1: 17-23 - May God give you a spirit of Wisdom and perception ... God raised him from the dead, and bid him sit at the right far above every soverignty, authority, power or dominion ... the head of the church, which is hid body.

Gospel: Matthew 28: 19-20 - The apostles meet Jesus on the mountain, he sends them to make disciples of all the nations.

Themes

Christ's ascension to his kingdom.

Free-use artwork

See lectionary art for this Sunday for suggested pictures and art-works based on today's readings.

Free-use hymns