Good morning,
Rain for all of us is a different sign. For some of us it can be a sign of dreariness, and to stay inside. For some it's refreshing, that smell of newly fallen rain is a delight. But always, the rain gives life to growing things, it leads to renewal, and it leads to hope.
Renewal is a good focus for us as we prepare for the Ascension and as we have heavy hearts about the shooting that happened in Texas just a couple of days ago. These things don't make sense. Some of us are scared or angry or want action right now. While others have it blocked in our head and we're not feeling it, and some are thinking why do these tragedies keep happening.
In a difficult conversation with a friend a long time ago, we were talking about the response of a Catholic in a tragic situation like what has happened in Texas, and what can a Catholic do in the case of a terrorist situation. It was a very deep conversation, and the conclusion was, that's why we prepare ourselves and our families and everyone we love and care about for heaven; because we don't get to choose when we come into the world and when we go out, or how that's going happen. We can't protect everyone from everything and all the bad choices that people make, but we can prepare them for eternal life in heaven. It wasn't a very consoling conversation, but there's a truth there that is good. Jesus Christ ascended into heaven he left this earth not in a defeatism or an abandonment of us. But he was willing to leave everything behind to go to the Father, and it's from that place, at the right hand of the Father that he sends his Holy Spirit that new life; that life of His very own spirit that brings us life that we can live here on earth.
Brothers and sisters, I invite you now, especially in this time, to pray. We have adoration tonight from 7 to 9 pm. Come and pray for the victims, pray for the families for all who are suffering. This is a time when we can ask our Lord to intervene to console and to heal, to come down with His new reign. Let's not forget that there is eternal life that Jesus Christ is doing something and that his new reign always brings renewal and hope.
God bless you,
Fr. Matt