ascension of the lord

My dear friends in Christ, 

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.  It is my prayer that when we emerge from this pandemic, we will be a closer, stronger faith community.  May we feel the magnetic pull of Christ drawing us home, to our spiritual home of St. Julia. 
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.  Interesting to note, lots are not mentioned again in the New Testament once the Holy Spirit came as the Church’s guide.  Below you will find not one, not two, but three prayers to prepare for Pentecost.  May we be reminded of the spiritual gifts that we received at our Confirmation, and may we pray to the Holy Spirit to give us the courage we need to navigate these times together as a community of believers, united in prayer. 
May God continue to bless and keep safe each of you and those that you love.
​Fr. Greg