THE 7TH SUNDAY OF EASTER : THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD JESUS..........

On this 7th and penultimate Sunday of Easter, we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord Jesus, back to the right hand of God our Heavenly Father. The Co-Eternal Son of God, Jesus came into the world from the Father's right hand in Heaven, to be born, suffer, die, and rise, again. The Resurrection Narratives in the Gospels and the Sacred Tradition of the Church teaches us that the Risen Christ dwelt on earth for 40 Days following His Resurrection from the Dead. Contemporary theologians and Scripture scholars presently focus not only on the length of 40 Days, or 40 Hours, 40 Minutes, or 40 Seconds, between the Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus, but the process of Glorification the Risen and Ascended Christ, underway by the experience of the Paschal Mystery. The Risen Christ who ascended back to His Heavenly Father was glorified and His glory was transformational. The Resurrection stories attest that the Apostles and Disciples did not recognize Him upon first seeing Jesus following His Resurrection. He was glorified and gloriously new in their sights. As His faithful and fervent followers in the Community of Believers that is God's Church, we too are called and chosen to share in the Glory of the Risen and Ascended Christ. Our full presence and participation in the Sunday Eucharist, our Daily Prayers, and the active part we take in the Ministry of being Church, are the essential ways we fulfill our roles and responsibilities as Catholic-Christian Disciples. Attending Sunday Mass and receiving the Sacraments are the beginning not the end of being a Believer. So as you affirm your belief in, and commitment to, the Paschal Mystery of Jesus' Passion, Death, Resurrection, Ascension, what are you doing to put it ever more fully into practice ? On your journey to Pentecost this coming week what more will you do to embrace Jesus' gift of the Holy Spirit ? Sunday Mass, Daily Prayer, and Active Ministry, will empower you to fulfill your baptismal obligations by accepting the opportunities presented for your response..........In Jesus The Christ Our Risen And Ascended Savior And Lord, Fr. Troy