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We praise God for his becoming man and dwelling among us; for his death, which conquered sin; for his resurrection, which gives us new life; for his ascension to the right hand of the Father; and for sending the Holy Spirit to us at Pentecost
Jesus’ words tell us that we must all let go and accept our spiritual passage back to the light when the time comes.
For many years after his student days, Saint Philip Neri lived as a layman engaged in prayer and apostolic works in Rome. During this time, he attracted many to join him—poor and rich. After ordination, he became a noted confessor and eventually founded the Oratory, a religious institute, with some of his followers.
The Gospel version of Jesus’ ascension evokes the past. We hear Jesus explain how it was prophesied that he would suffer. In Acts, his words point to the future–to the commissioning of his apostles as witnesses through the power of the Holy Spirit they will soon receive.
Sometimes Jesus seems absent, yet he is never absent for long. Jesus invites us to look for his presence and action in our lives. In a little while we will see him, and we will rejoice.
The call to enter into the world of “the other” contains a costly component. Moving from accepted bias, taboos, and prejudices is not an easy step.
Jesus exhorts us to love our enemies and even to bless those who curse us. See God in every person you meet this day. Offer them a kind word or a glad smile. Let them know that they have been seen.
This Sunday we mark the seventh week since the Easter resurrection of Christ. In the Gospel, Jesus prays for those on earth who continue to believe in him.
Saint Bede the Venerable almost never left his monastery once he became a monk, but he influenced the entire Church of his day. One of the most well-rounded scholars, he wrote and taught in all areas of knowledge. Bede’s writings were read in church even before his death.
Along treacherous stretches of borderland between the United States and Mexico, Franciscans are working to respond to the humanitarian crisis there with faith and compassion.
