St. Ignatius Martyr Parish

With his Ascension, Jesus closes out the final chapter of his life on earth. He returns to the Father. God will send another Advocate, the Holy Spirit, thus opening the era of the Spirit to insure that those who followed Jesus remained in union with him, were instructed in Jesus' ways and continued to teach what Jesus taught. The Spirit would be a sign of hope and strength for those who would have difficulty living as followers of Jesus. The Ascension also marked the beginning of the work of Jesus' disciples. They would have to come down the mountain to begin the mission Jesus had just entrusted to them, the same mission we received at baptism - to build God's kingdom on earth.

While on earth, Jesus was a sign of hope for many people. He gave hope to those who were sick, lame, blind. He gave hope to sinners and to those outcasts of society. Through his actions he showed them that God loved and cared for them and in God's eyes they were important. He was a sign of hope to his disciples as he gave his final instructions. He tells them they have nothing to fear in carrying out his mission. He would be with them until the end of time.

Those were hope-filled words for these men who had relied on Jesus for three years. They would need the presence of Jesus and of the Spirit to continue Jesus' mission of preaching and teaching the Good News to all people and to baptize them. We, too, are called to come off the mountain, leaving our comfort zone. We are called to translate Jesus' words into works, decisions into deeds and proposed goals into achievements. On the mountain talk is easy and cheap, but coming down the mountain in order to carry out Jesus' command is the challenge.

The Ascension for us focuses on what we are called to do - to be Christ forever. Where he has gone we hope to follow. But before arriving there, we are called to love and serve. We are called to continue Jesus' work of building up the kingdom. For example, we are to be comforting words and people of action to help the many homeless and jobless people in our society. Our lives may be the only book of the Gospels open for people to read. What we are and what we do speak loudly to others of our belief in Jesus Christ. He is counting on us to continue his work. And so we pray that he will renew within us the work of the Spirit so that we may know what is true, right, good and just and have the strength to do what is true, good, right and just.

OTHER ITEMS: 1) A reminder to wear the traditional garb/dress from your country to Mass next Sunday, the Feast of Pentecost. We wish to show our diversity as a parish. Also please bring the flag of your country to the church office. 2) Thank you to all who contributed to our school's Fun Run. Your generosity helped us to reach our goal. 3) Thanks to all who continue to contribute financially to the parish. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely in Christ,

Fr. Joe