Once again Congratulations to all of our graduates! We are proud of each and every one of you.
Today we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord. Our first reading is the beginning of Acts and Luke tells us two important things. Jesus has ascended into heaven but will return: “This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return the same way as you have seen him going into heaven.”
Luke tells us the same thing in our Gospel reading today. “As he blessed them he parted from them and was taken up to heaven.” He also tells us that the disciples would return to Jerusalem “until you are clothed with the power from on high.” That happens on Pentecost.
In our second reading, Paul tells us that Jesus was taken up to heaven and that the Father “put all things beneath his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.” What a friend we have in Jesus!
Tomorrow the Church celebrates the Ugandan Martys, St. Charles Lwanga and Companions. Let us pray for the Church in Africa.
Let us continue to pray for peace in the world. Let us also pray for vocations to the church. Let us pray for the sick of the parish. Let us pray that all will come to respect life. Let us pray for one another and for the canonization of Father Tolton. Let us also pray for those who are victims of sexual abuse and mass shootings.
A Father Tolton Prayer:Father in Heaven, Father Tolton’s suffering service sheds light upon our sorrows; we see them through the prism of your Son’s passion and death. If it be your Will, O God, glorify your servant Father Tolton, by granting the favor I now request through his intercession (mention your request) so that all may know the goodness of this priest whose memory looms large in the Church he loved. Complete what you have begun in us that we might work for the fulfillment of your kingdom. Not to us the glory, but glory to you O God, through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord; Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are our God, living and reigning forever and ever. Amen.