Pastor Notes May 21, 2023
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May 22, 2023Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ. A name brought forth from a parishioner and approved by the Bishop has become our overall parish identity within our three Catholic churches in Boone County: St. John, St. Malachy and Sacred Heart. Since this Sunday is our initial feast day, a few aspects of this Holy Day which was, in the past, commemorated on the sixth Thursday of Easter, ten days before Pentecost Sunday. Our diocese along with most others moved the feast day to the Seventh Sunday of Easter, allowing more individuals and families to participate. Based on the Acts of the Apostles (1:9-11), the Church believes Jesus ascended into heaven forty days after his resurrection. As tradition holds, we believe the Ascension took place on Mt. Olivet near Bethany. Jesus ascension into heaven is also recorded in Mark 16:19, Luke 24:51; and indicated in John 6:63 and 20:17; 1Corinthians 15:27; Ephesians 4:8-10; Colossians 3:3; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 Peter 3:22. Obviously, there are several references to this factual and spiritual event. Though the Ascension and Pentecost are distinctly different, they are connected by the coming of the Holy Spirit, as Christ Jesus promised. As a Church, we believe Jesus’ disciples and Mary waited patiently and prayerfully for the Holy Spirit during the ten day juncture. Jesus’ rightful ‘enthronement’ took place with his Ascension to the right hand of the Father in heaven, fulfilling Satan’s offer to Jesus while in the wilderness (Luke 4:5-7).
Historically Jesus’ Ascension has been celebrated since the fourth century as evidenced by St. Augustine’s writings, and that of St. John Chrysostom. Different cultures have unique traditions pertaining to this feast day including: the blessings of beans and grapes for the dead in heaven; banners with the images of a lion and a dragon symbolizing Christ’s triumph over evil; and the interesting ritual of elevating a statue of Jesus through the roof of the church. (Seedbed: Seven Quick Facts about the Ascension)
In plain English so to speak, how does the Ascension of Christ Jesus affect our earthly journey of faith, our relationship with God. St. John Henry Newman, a convert from the Anglican Church who later served the Catholic Church as a Cardinal in the latter half of the eighteen hundreds, provides us this inspiration. “Christ is already in that place of peace, which is all in all. He is on the right hand of God.
He is hidden in the brightness of the radiance which issues from the everlasting throne. He is in the very abyss of peace, where there is no voice of tumult or distress, but a deep stillness–stillness, that greatest and most awful of all goods which we can fancy; that most perfect of joys, the utter profound, ineffable tranquility of the Divine Essence. He has entered into His rest.
That is our home; here we are on a pilgrimage, and Christ calls us to His many mansions which He has prepared.” Or simply as St. Augustine wrote, “You ascended before our eyes, and we turned back grieving, only to find You in our hearts.” We form relationships through community; thus our local churches of St. John, St. Malachy and Sacred Heart provide us with identity. Ascension Parish instills the common ground of our Catholic faith, traditions, and shared Eucharist we celebrate in Boone County, and in the wider Church.--
Many of our graduates will receive their diplomas this weekend and next at the graduation ceremonies taking place. Congratulations to our graduates, your ambitions and dreams. Our hope and prayer as a Church is directed toward your journey forward blessed with the guidance of your Catholic faith and your relationship with God, within your decisions and relationships, and a presence of peace and gratitude acknowledging your place and purpose in this world—as God intends. Thank you for sharing your presence and faith within our parish, and likewise sharing your Catholic values in the places your future journey takes you. "Keep your face toward the sunshine and shadows will always fall behind you.” (Walt Whitman)
With the return of the Blood of Christ offered during our Sunday liturgies (on Corpus Christi Sunday), we are aware of the need of volunteers to share their time and faith in all aspects within the Eucharist. Altar Servers, Ushers & Greeters, Lectors, Gift Bearers, Musicians & Cantors. Please prayerfully consider how your presence and faith shared within these various ministries is a ‘calling’ and a vital part of our gatherings for the Eucharist. Sheets are in the pews for your consideration or simply call the office. And, thank you for your consideration, and most importantly, for sharing in our Sunday Eucharist.
God Bless, Fr. Tim