Scripture is important to the Mass. It makes up the "liturgy of the word," and is taken from a lectionary, a book specially published for liturgy.

Years A, B, C,  and D comprise the Sunday readings calendar. Cycles I and II comprise the Monday to Saturday readings calendar ("weekday"). The cycles change every First Advent.

For the 2025 liturgical year — The Sunday readings are taken from Year C. The daily readings are taken from Cycle I.

Sunday, June 1, 2025
Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

First reading

As the apostles were looking on, Jesus was taken up. (Acts 1:1-11)

Responsorial psalm

R (6) God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord. (Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9)

Second reading

Christ has entered into heaven itself. (Ephesians 1:17-23)

Alleluia

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Go and teach all nations, says the Lord;
I am with you always, until the end of the world.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
(Matthew 28:19a, 20b)

Gospel reading

As he blessed them, he was taken up to heaven. (Luke 24:46-53)

Lɪᴛᴜʀɢɪᴄᴀʟ ᴄᴏʟᴏᴜʀ — WHITE

Daily Mass readings (Mon. to Sat.) | 

• Week of May 5 to May 10
• Week of May 12 to May 17
• Week of May 19 to May 24
• Week of May 26 to May 31

2025 USCCB liturgical calendar |

• "2025 USCCB Liturgical Calendar for the Dioceses of the United States of America" (PDF)