God Mounts the Throne to Shouts of Joy

Ramseyb - May 16, 2026

God Mounts the Throne to Shouts of Joy

Some readings are used every year because of the Solemnity or Feast. Most US dioceses move the Ascension from a Thursday to a Sunday. Acts 1:1-11 is always proclaimed and Psalm 47 is the lively song of praise to God, Creator of all. An “enthronement psalm” imagines God as life or wisdom, Allah or Father or King, Almighty or Most High. What would the world look like if all peoples and nations were at peace with each other and God? This psalm imagines the day when all will recognize a power greater than a nation or person. The hope is that God’s will be done and all humanity appreciate the Divine and all peoples, nations, color and creed. Psalm 47 calls us to participate in the mystery and mission of Christ. The Spirit gives us the power, wisdom and knowledge of Christ whose message we are called to preach to all peoples.

Clap your hands, all you peoples,
shout to God with songs of joy!
For the Most High is awe-inspiring,
great ruler over all the earth!
O God, you subdue evil oppression,
and challenge unjust nations.
You chose our heritage for us,
gave it to us out of love.
You go up with shouts of joy;
O God, with trumpet blasts.
We sing praise to you, sing praise,
sing praise to you, Most High.
Your realm is all the nations;
over all the peoples of this earth.
The leaders of the peoples gather
with the people of Sarah and Abraham’s God.
God reigns over all the earth
and is exalted above all.