Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The life of Saint Teresa of Calcutta helps us to better understand the mission Jesus left for his disciples and each of us. Saint Teresa could be tough as nails when it came to dealing with and seeking government assistance for her people on the streets and allies of Calcutta. She became a stand-in for Jesus and we are called to do the same. We are called to do what Jesus can no longer do for them.

Few of us are called or gifted to do what Saint Teresa did. But all of us have been called and gifted in some way to stand-in for Jesus, whether this be in our home, in the work place, or the classroom.

In other words, each of us has been called and empowered by our Baptism and Confirmation to carry the message for Jesus in some way for the good of all.

From a practical point of view, this is what the Feast of the Ascension is all about. It’s about taking to heart the words Jesus spoke to his disciples just before ascending to his Father. He said: “When the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power, and you will be witness for me… to the end of the earth.” It’s about taking to heart the words of Jesus to his disciples in his Sermon on the Mount: “In the same way, your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.”

God Bless,
Deacon Del