A Note From Fr. LeRoy
On this Ascension Sunday, the two words in our readings that stand out most are: “Up,” and “Go.” Jesus was lifted “Up” into heaven to the glory of the Father. However, before he went, He told his disciple to, “Go.” “Go, therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to observe all that I have commanded you. And know, that I am with you always until the end of the age.”
Jesus had to be lifted “Up” before his disciples could “Go!” Jesus had to be lifted up in order to send the Holy Spirit down to help those early apostles and disciples accomplish Jesus’ mission here on earth. That Holy Spirit would then guide them, correct them, instruct them, and give them all the gifts they would need to preach the Gospel of Christ.
In the same way, we too are called to “Go” out to all the world, beginning within our families to live out and spread the message of Christ to everyone. The Holy Spirit can help us too, if we are open to it and ask for that help. If you were Confirmed at some time in your life, those gifts are there for you to use!
This past week on Wednesday, May 17th Bishop Patrick Neary confirmed some 26 of our young teenage students from our four ACC parishes with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This Holy Spirit has empowered them to also “Go” out into the world to live the Gospel of Christ as they prepare to graduate from High School in the next couple years and set out on their own. Some of our teenagers will be better at using these gifts than others, and yet all have a role to play! For some of our young people, the Gifts of Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Understanding, Courage, Counsel, Knowledge, Piety and Fear of the Lord , are ready to be used at the moment after confirmation. For others, although the gifts will be given and are there, they may not be ready to open them. And yet, over time God will make them available to them as they need them and as they find their true vocation. Those gifts will slowly unfold.
In the meantime, please pray for our young people today who face so many challenges in our world. Pray that they will be bold messengers of the Gospel of Christ! Gospel of Christ!
Fr. LeRoy Scheierl
