A Word from Your Pastor - June 1

Dear Parishioners:

The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, which we celebrate today (moved several years ago from “Ascension Thursday” in our region), is a reminder to us of our “High Destiny.”  When we realize that Jesus suffered and died for us, we know His Love for His Father and for us.  When we acknowledge His Resurrection, we see the “Yes” of God the Father to the human race and the power of the Holy Spirit at work in our human nature to manifest God’s glory.  And when we look for Jesus above after His Ascension to the Right Hand of the Father, we see our humanity raised to a dignity far beyond our understanding.

At the same time, if we put this all together in a glance, we come to a grasp of the Hope to which we are called.  The very “stuff” of our world is made radically capable of being with God for all Eternity through Jesus Christ.  Once that happens, the Holy Spirit is poured out upon us through Pentecost, and then we are given the task to proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to every nation and people on the face of the earth.

This time from Ascension to Pentecost is a time of prayer and waiting for the Gift of the Spirit.  “Lord, send our Your Spirit and renew the face of the earth.”  We stand together in the awareness of the Mystery of the Suffering, Death, Resurrection and Ascension of the Lord, and we pray “Come, Holy Spirit.”  As we enter into the rest that Summer brings, may we be open to the work of the Spirit among us.

We offer congratulations to our graduates at every level of education – Elementary School, High School, College, and beyond.  May all that you have learned and your hard work that got you there prepare you for the destiny that God has in store for you on earth and in glory!  Congratulations and thanks to parents, teachers, coaches and guides of every sort who continue to work with our young people to prepare them for life.  May you know the satisfaction of a job well done and may you persevere.