Thoughts on Thursday...

Ascension Thursday

Msgr. Ron always said, as he preached on the Ascension, that if he were there when Jesus was being lifted up, his first reaction would have been to jump up and hold onto his feet so that he didn’t leave.

I can understand this line of thinking, because who would want the best thing in their life to go away? But as Fr. Jorge preached in his sermon this evening, Jesus had to leave us, leave his earthly life, so that he would go back to the Father and send the Holy Spirit to help us.

Prayer of Forgiveness (Hoosoyo)  Based on John 14:3-6

O Christ,

By your ascension you ended your earthly life,

But your mission continues among us.

Your everlasting mission makes you the Head of redeemed humanity,

And makes us members of your spiritual body.

We are forever bound to you as our Creator and Redeemer.

You reward us and give us life forever.

You returned to the Father to prepare a place for us in his kingdom, 

so that we may be where you are. 

You revealed to us the place where you were going 

and showed us the way to follow you. 

When the apostle Thomas asked you: 

“We don’t know where you are going, how can we know the way?” 

You answered him: 

“I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; no one goes to the Father except through me.” 

We implore you, O Christ our Savior,

turn our gaze toward the Father, direct the longing of our hearts, and guide our steps, 

that we may reach the Father, through you, O Christ, and with you.

O Lord,

Make us ready to receive the Spirit you promised, 

and to dwell in that place you set aside for us near your Father, 

that we may meet you in the heavenly dwellings and praise you, O Christ,

your Father, and your living Holy Spirit, now and forever.

The Novena to the Holy Spirit begins tomorrow, May 18th  for nine days until Saturday, May 26th  to prepare us for the great Feast of Pentecost, Sunday, May 27th!