ASCENSION OF THE LORD

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My dear friends in Christ,
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This Sunday we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord – the entry of Jesus’ humanity into divine glory in God’s heavenly domain, forty days after his Resurrection.
Immediately after Christ’s ascension to heaven, the first church in Jerusalem was under intense pressure.  Their first task was to find a replacement for Judas Iscariot.  They prayed that God would guide the casting of lots.  There were two candidates, and Matthias was chosen, whose Feast Day we celebrated on Friday. 
Many times, when we are under pressure or facing a difficult time, we can push others away.  Such was not the case with the first church and the apostles.  Instead, they let the pressure drive them closer together instead of breaking them apart.  When we face the pressures and challenges of life, may we feel the magnetic pull of Christ drawing us home, to our spiritual home of St. Julia.  It is here where we are refueled, recharged, and nourished as we come together, lifting one another up in prayer and seek the assistance that only God can provide through the power of the Holy Spirit.
As our Easter season quickly comes to a close, we prepare for the celebration of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came down upon the apostles.  May we be reminded of the spiritual gifts that we received at our Confirmation, and may we pray to the Holy Spirit to help us navigate whatever it is that we are facing, together, united in prayer.
May God bless each of you and those that you love.

Fr. Greg