7th Sunday of Easter

In most dioceses in the United States, the observance of the Solemnity of the Ascension is moved to the following Sunday, superseding the 7th Sunday of Easter. See readings and resources for the Ascension of the Lord instead.

The 7th Sunday of Easter focuses on prayer, unity, and hope. In all three years, Jesus prays for his followers. He asks the Father to protect them and to make them one. The readings remind us that we are not alone. Jesus is with us, and we are part of his mission.

Another theme is waiting with trust. The first reading shows the disciples gathered in prayer after Jesus’ Ascension. They are unsure of what comes next but stay together in hope. This Sunday helps us remember to trust in God and to stay faithful, even when we are waiting.

Click on the appropriate year below to see resources, themes, homilies, and more. See how to determine the correct year.

7th Sunday of Easter Year A
7th Sunday of Easter Year B
7th Sunday of Easter Year C

Mass Readings for the 7th Sunday of Easter Year A

See resources, homilies, and more for the 7th Sunday of Easter Year A readings here.

• First Reading – Acts 1:12-14: After Jesus’ ascension, the apostles returned to Jerusalem and prayed together in the upper room with some women, Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 27: Trust in the Lord, seeking to dwell in his house and behold his beauty, calling on him for mercy and believing in his goodness.
• Second Reading – 1 Peter 4:13-16: Rejoice when you share in Christ’s sufferings, for his Spirit rests on you. If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed but glorify God for bearing that name.
• Gospel – John 17:1-11: Jesus prays for his disciples, asking God to glorify him so he can glorify the Father. He acknowledges his mission and prays for those given to him, as he prepares to leave the world.

Mass Readings for the 7th Sunday of Easter Year B

See resources, homilies, and more for the 7th Sunday of Easter Year B readings here.

• First Reading – Acts 1:15-17, 20A, 20C-26: Peter explained the need to replace Judas to maintain the twelve apostles. From two nominees, Matthias was chosen by casting lots, fulfilling his role as witness to Jesus’ resurrection.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 103: Praise the Lord deeply, remembering His kindnesses. His mercy is vast, and He removes our sins far from us. His throne in heaven rules over all.
• Second Reading – 1 John 4:11-16: Since God’s love for us is profound, we are called to love each other deeply. By loving one another, God’s presence is affirmed within us, perfecting His love through our actions.
• Gospel – John 17:11B-19: Jesus, looking to heaven, prayed for His disciples’ protection through God’s name, to unite them as He and the Father are united. He acknowledged His care for them and His imminent return to the Father, desiring them to experience His joy fully. Jesus asked not for their removal from the world but for their protection from evil, emphasizing their sanctification and separation from worldly values. He committed Himself to their sanctification, mirroring His mission to the world.

Mass Readings for the 7th Sunday of Easter Year C

See resources, homilies, and more for the 7th Sunday of Easter Year C readings here.

• First Reading – Acts 7:55-60: Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, saw Jesus in heaven. As he was stoned, he asked Jesus to receive his spirit and forgive his killers.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 97: The Lord reigns with justice, making the earth rejoice. All peoples see His glory, and all gods bow before Him. The Lord is exalted above all.
• Second Reading – Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20: Jesus promises to come soon, bringing rewards for each person based on their deeds. He invites all who are thirsty to come and receive life-giving water.
• Gospel – John 17:20-2: Jesus prays for believers to be united as one, as He is with the Father. He wishes for them to see His glory and know the Father’s love.

Lookup Other Liturgical Dates in the Lectionary

A Bible and a Lectionary both contain Scripture, but they are used in different ways. The Bible holds all the books of the Old and New Testaments. You can read it in any order for prayer or study. The Lectionary is made for Mass. It arranges readings from the Bible to match the Church calendar. It helps Catholics hear key passages across the year. For example, on the 7th Sunday of Easter, the Lectionary gives a Gospel reading from John and a first reading from Acts.

The Lectionary is divided by seasons and types of days—Sundays, weekdays, and feast days. Each reading has a lectionary number. This makes it easy to find and plan readings. Sunday readings follow a three-year cycle with different Gospels each year. Weekday readings follow a two-year cycle. This system helps Catholics hear more of the Bible over time and keeps the focus on Christ’s life and message during each part of the year.

How to Determine the Liturgical Year

The liturgical cycle is a three-year sequence of A, B, and C.

• 2024 is Year B
• 2025 is Year C
• 2026 is Year A
• 2027 is Year B
• 2028 is Year C
• 2029 is Year A
• 2030 is Year B
• 2031 is Year C
• … and so on

The 7th Sunday of Easter (not Ascension) reminds us that we are part of Jesus’ prayer. In the Gospel, Jesus asks the Father to protect his followers. He wants them to stay strong and united. This prayer shows how much he cares for all who believe in him.

In each liturgical year, we hear about people waiting with trust. After Jesus goes to heaven, the disciples stay together and pray. They do not rush ahead. They wait for the Holy Spirit. Their waiting is full of hope and faith.

We also see the call to witness. The readings remind us that even while we wait, we are sent out. Jesus gives his followers a mission. We are to share his message, stay faithful, and live in unity with others.

The 7th Sunday of Easter (not Ascension) helps us think about prayer, patience, and trust. It reminds us to stay close to God and to one another.

Take time to reflect on the readings for the 7th Sunday of Easter (not Ascension). What does Jesus’ prayer mean to you? How do you wait and trust in your own life? These readings are a good chance to think about your faith journey.

We invite you to read the passages and share your thoughts in the comments. What part of the readings stood out to you? Let’s help each other grow by sharing our faith and learning from one another.