The Ascension of the Lord | 7th Sunday of Easter
Catechism of the Catholic Church – Paragraphs 665-667
“Christ's Ascension marks the definitive entrance of Jesus’ humanity into God’s heavenly domain, whence He will come again (cf Acts 1:11); this humanity in the meantime hides Him from the eyes of men (cf Col 3:3). Jesus Christ, the head of the Church, precedes us into the Father's glorious kingdom so that we, the members of his Body, may live in the hope of one day being with Him forever. Jesus Christ, having entered the sanctuary of heaven once and for all, intercedes constantly for us as the mediator who assures us of the permanent outpouring of the Holy Spirit.”
From these three paragraphs of the Catechism, we learn that the Ascension of Jesus accomplishes 3 main things. First, Jesus takes human nature in the flesh to heaven. Second, we are given HOPE that we too in spirit & body may one day join Jesus in heaven. Last, Jesus and the Father will provide us with the Holy Spirit to pray & be sanctified. The glorification of our bodies, the promise of heaven, and the gift of the Spirit are gifts freely given by our Lord & God so we may more perfectly be who we were created to be. Lift your hearts, minds, souls & bodies to God in Praise.
PRAYING FOR A NEW PENTECOST – A Holy Novena
About a hundred years ago, Pope Leo XIII was inspired to call every Catholic Church in the world to pray for nine-days for the coming of the Spirit. This is drawn from the Apostles’ nine-day prayer between the Ascension and Pentecost. With the election of Pope Leo XIV, consider praying this novena for the coming of the Holy Spirit.
Father, I repent of stifling the Spirit (1 Thes 5:19) by giving in to selfish desires. May I let the Spirit lust against the desires of the flesh (Gal 5:17) so that I thirst much more strongly for the Holy Spirit (Jn 7:37). Father, stir into flame the gift bestowed when hands were laid on me (2 Tim 1:6). Father, by the power of the Spirit, may I devote myself "to the apostles" instruction and the communal life, to the breaking of bread and the prayers (Acts 2:42). Jesus, the Holy Spirit bears witness on Your behalf. May I bear witness as well (Jn 15:26-27) right where I am and even to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). Father, without the Spirit I cannot please You (Rom 8:8-9). Not by my might or power but only by the Spirit can I live for You (Zech 4:6). Come, Holy Spirit! Lord, as the Spirit moved over the waters on the day of creation (Gn 1:1), breathe on me to receive the Spirit (Jn 20:22), send forth the Spirit and renew the face of the earth (Ps 104:30). Holy Spirit, take me in prayer to the foot of Jesus' cross. Reveal to me how I shared in crucifying Jesus through my sins. Crucify me to the ways of the world and the world to me (Gal 6:14). Crucify my flesh with its passions and desires (Gal 5:24). (This prayer is based on Pope John Paul II's encyclical on the Holy Spirit.) Holy Spirit, through Your gifts produce Your fruit in my life. Give me "love, joy, peace, patient endurance, kindness, generosity, faith, mildness, and chastity" (Gal5:22-23). Spirit of Truth, make me true and faithful in all my relationships -- in family, church, and work (Jn 16:13). Be the Source of unity in my life (Eph 4:3). Father, may the Spirit of the Lord rush upon me and may I be changed into another person (1 Sam 10:6). Jesus, thank You for giving Mary to me as my mother (Jn 19:27). Mary, Spouse of the Spirit (Lk 1:35), as you prayed in the upper room for the first Pentecost, pray for me now (Acts 1:14). "Let it be done to me" according to God's word (Lk 1:38).
AMEN. https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/praying-for-a-new-pentecost-12601
Reminder: Demolition of our boiler smokestack will begin Monday, June 2 by Koetter Construction. We anticipate it taking two-weeks. Electrical power for the church, cafeteria & middle school wings will be disconnected. Fortunately, the Fr Marchino Gym power will remain on. We plan to continue with Masses in the Gym for the weekend of June 7-8th.
Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.
Holy Family, With Eyes raised to Heaven, Pray for us.
~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries
