May 20, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ,

So often this time of year, we are privileged to accept invitations to high school and college graduations, events at which a speaker will address the graduates to launch them from their formal schools into the real world. If the graduates and their loved ones are lucky, the graduation speech offers a small dose of wisdom, wrapped up in hard-earned life experience.

In the Gospel Reading from Matthew 28:16-20 for the Solemnity of the Ascension of our Lord, the 11 apostles receive the plainest, most authoritative direction from their teacher, who is about to depart from them. As they are poised to “graduate,” their instructions are clear:

My brother priests and I know then what Jesus Christ has asked of us. But this commission from Jesus Christ is for each one of us, too. The lay members of our Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults team practice it over many months when they faithfully form people who are exploring our Catholic faith. Liturgy of the Hours Ministry Coordinator Lois James lives it when she ensures every morning and night that our parishioners can pray Morning and Evening Prayers on Zoom. And each one of you practice it when you take time to listen to someone who needs to talk or place canned goods in the St. Martin Food Pantry bin.

On this Solemnity of the Ascension, let us do good by what the Lord asked of his apostles. When he returns, let us show that we heeded his words.

I wish you all a blessed start to your week! And I hope to see many of you at the 11:15 am Mass tomorrow,  when I celebrate my Jubilee liturgy in the church.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John