A Message from
our Pastor
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Dear friends,
Peace and all Good!
In most dioceses of the United States, the Solemnity of the Ascension is celebrated today rather than on the Seventh Sunday of Easter. The message is the same: “It is the inherent responsibility of the disciples of Jesus to continue his mission.” Jesus says today in St. Mark’s Gospel: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the good news to all creation.” And again, in John’s Gospel of the Seventh Sunday of Easter: “As you, Father, have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.” The church’s mission is to be about the work of Jesus. Did you hear the question of the two messengers dressed in white on the mount of Jesus’ ascension? (Acts) “Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking up at the skies?” This question could be asked of any one of us. Instead of remaining on top of that “mountain” its time to come down and do the work of Christ. We are to speak God’s good news with our lips and with our lives. Something to think about: Noted religious author Stephen Bevans says: “The church of Christ does not so much have a mission as the mission of Christ has a church”. Interesting statement, isn’t it? In other words it is Christ’s mission, Christ’s work that we are to take up. How are we to do this? The ascending Jesus promised the power of the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us. Note that “before Christ sent the church into the world, he sent the Spirit into the church. The same order must continue to be observed today.” (Anglican pastor and missionary, John R. W. Scott) Next Sunday is the Solemnity of Pentecost and the conclusion of the Easter Season. The Spirit promised the apostles has been sent also into our hearts—the strengthening Spirit who woos us into the evangelizing mission of Jesus. Let us be open to that Spirit of God to help us figure out what part of the work of Christ is ours.
Once more, I wish to encourage all young people 14 years of age and older to join our parish Youth Group. A number of young people have attended the initial gatherings and have found them to be lots of fun. Please come over to the Diocesan Pastoral Center right after the 9:00 a.m. Mass today and be a part of something brand new at St. Mary’s!
Next Sunday is the Solemnity of Pentecost—the celebration of the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the early church. Our faith tells us that this same Spirit, breathed upon the apostles, is with us still, empowering us to do the work of Christ. Everyone is invited to be part of the art and environment of the day: Wear something red or orange or yellow so that we can be a people on fire with God’s Holy Spirit!
It is fitting during this time of the Holy Spirit to pray for vocations to the priesthood, deaconate and to Religious Life. If you have been thinking that perhaps God is calling you to this way of life, please do not hesitate to call one of the friars. Above all, pray that God the most high may enlighten each of us to discern our vocation in life.
Love,
(from left to right) Fr. Luis Baldonado, Fr. Vincent J. Mesi, Fr. Micah Muhlen
and Brother Tito
