My dear friends,
On this solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, may you be uplifted by the hope and promise of Jesus’ Eternal Kingdom!
As you know the month of May is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God, a practice rooted in our Catholic faith. The Month of May, provides an opportunity for Catholics to deepen their devotion to Mary, by praying the rosary, and offering flowers at the altar in her honor. Jesus gave His mother – Mary to us, and to the world as our mother and we recognize her as a model of faith and a powerful intercessor to her Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Hence, as we conclude this month of May – the month of Mary – we reflect on Mary’s role in our salvation and to seek her guidance in our lives.
Happy Ascension Sunday to all of You! In our Gospel (Luke 24: 46-53), we are called to glorify Jesus, who shared in the glory of God the Father. Jesus’ Ascension reminds us that Heaven is our Home; Heaven is our destiny; we are created for Heaven and that is where we will find perfect joy and happiness.
We have to do our part as followers or disciples of Jesus. We need to be involved in building up His Kingdom here on earth by proclaiming or evangelizing God’s love. To be witnesses, spreading the Gospel to all nations and continuing Jesus’ work of reconciliation and forgiveness. Thus, as Jesus blesses His apostles before ascending into heaven, signifying that Jesus continues to support and guide us here and now as His disciples. “Let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who has promised is faithful.” (Hebrew 10: 22-23)
May the Ascension of Jesus Christ fill your heart with joy, your soul with peace, and your life with purpose. AMEN.
God Loves You!
~ Fr. NEIL