Pastor Notes May 12, 2024
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May 13, 2024“‘But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you’. . . .When Jesus had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight. . . .They were looking intently at the sky as he was going.”
For three years Jesus was their companion, teacher, friend, brother, leader, guardian. Jesus took his apostles on a journey that at times was unpredictable, and most often challenging; but they knew his deep, protective love for each of them. Though he promised to send the Holy Spirit upon his departure, and to be with them always, their emotions would have reflected ours when a loved one departs. Grief, sadness, anxiety, sorrow, alone, and possibly wonder and awe. We can only attest to what the disciples felt at the moment Jesus ascended through our own emotions when someone we care about deeply leaves our presence, whether for a period of time or for ever.
In such moments, ‘remembering’ can provide us with accompaniment in our solitary grief, lonesomeness. And ‘remembering’ is inherit to our Christian faith, acknowledging a presence, a Spirit, that remains at our side in times of blessings, in times of struggle, in times of loss. My rector introduced me to a passionate Christian writer, Frederick Buechner, who illustrates the grace of God in our everyday moments, encounters—within our humanity. He provides a thoughtful reflection on the possibilities ‘remembering’ brings forth, as it surely provided solace and hope for the disciples’ journey after Jesus ascended.
“When you remember me it means that you have carried something of who I am with you, that I have left some mark of who I am on who you are. It means that you can summon back to your mind even though countless years and miles may stand between us. It means that if we meet again, you will know me. It means that even after I die, you can still see my face and hear my voice and speak to me in your heart.
For as long as you remember me, I am never entirely lost.
When I am feeling most [forgotten, alone], it’s your remembering me that helps remind me that I actually exist. When I'm feeling sad, it’s my consolation. When I’m feeling happy, it’s part of why I feel that way.
If you forget me, one of the ways I remember who I am will be gone. If you forget me, part of who I am will be gone. ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom,’ the good thief said from his cross (LK 23:42). There are perhaps no more human words in all of Scripture, no prayer we can pray so well.”
Our graduates will soon be moving on toward their ambitions and goals, a future laden with hope and expectation, perhaps anxiety at times, but optimism in what can be achieved and the encounters that will take place. Their aspirations in a world woven with grave concerns and questions, provide an illustration of what faith can offer us, unhampered by worldly concerns, and instead looking toward the possibilities always before us with the promise Christ offered each of us personally: “I will be with you always, until the end of time” (MT 28:20)
For our graduates, your journey of hope guided by the blessing of your Catholic-Christian, this prayer is for you.
A PRAYER FOR GRADUATES
Loving God, we thank you for all who graduate this time of the year. You have blessed them during their years in school with achievements and challenges, friendships and service. Dare them to make this world a better place because of their learning, their wisdom, their humanity.
Help them to look forward to the journey and give them faith and a sense of purpose in their next steps. Show them how to serve others in selfless and caring ways. In their journey before them may they find fulfillment in doing your will, that you will be with them always, and that you will guide their steps as men and women of faith. Amen.
God Bless, Fr. Tim
FYI: “The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.” (William Arthur Ward)
