On the 24th we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord and we also start public Masses again. We will have our usual Masses at 8:15 AM and 10:30 AM. There will be no Children's Church nor Classes of the Good Shepherd nor any "Coffee &". The church will be set up for social distancing. Please wear a mask and keep spacing. Of course, families that live together can sit together. If you don't feel well, please stay home. Remember the bishop has dispensed all until August 15, especially those over 65.
With the Ascension of the Lord we have several things happening at once. Jesus promises his disciples that he will send the Holy Spirit to be the advocate for the church. Jesus ascended into heaven: "When he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight." The disciples were both amazed and confused and then "suddenly two men dressed in white garments, stood beside them. They said, 'Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven."
As we know the disciples then returned to Jerusalem to await Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit. Try to imagine how they felt. Jesus was physically gone and the Holy Spirit was yet to come. They really did not know what to do or expect. The Risen Jesus was gone to sit at the right hand of the Father in Heaven. The Holy Spirit was yet to come. With Pentecost, which we celebrate next Sunday, all will come clear.
We celebrate Memorial Day today as well. Let us remember all those who have served our country, especially those who died for it.