With God: This Sunday we celebrate the Ascension of our Lord Jesus into heaven. The essential truth of the Ascension is that it marked the moment in salvation history at which humanity was incorporated into the Holy Trinity. We know that Jesus is “God with us.” But, with the Ascension and Christ’s glorification “at the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:3), humanity is “with God.” The Ascension teaches us that one like us is now “with God,” and indeed in God. This means that we are all capable of being sanctified–even now.
Memorial Day: This Monday is Memorial Day in the United States, a day for remembering the people who died while serving in the country’s armed forces. Our thoughts and prayers turn to the brave soldiers who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces enabling us to enjoy continued freedom. I greatly admire the people who fought and continue to fight for freedom in our world. It takes a special person to face the possibility of war and death, especially a death that will save the lives of people one has never even met. Jesus said, “There is no greater love than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” Just as Jesus sacrificed his life so that we may be free, so too have many of our nation’s soldiers. Memorial Day is not be confused with Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving,while Veterans Day celebrates the service of all US military veterans. We are having a special Mass for the deceased armed military people at Evergreen Cemetery at 10 am. Last year I was really happy to see the large turnout. Hope to see you there.
Priest Fraternity: This Sunday I will be heading to Fenton for our fraternity meeting with my brother priests. It’s always good to meet up and talk. I recall the words of Bishop Mengeling before I got ordained, “spending time with your brother priests is more important than doing a lot of things you think might be important.”
School Auction: Based on the many comments I’ve heard, the estimated 340 people who attended the school auction on May 20 really enjoyed themselves. Thanks to all who were there to support our school and their mission. The major portion of the funds will go to support a new band program. During the auction, several students from the Powers band came in and performed. They were great and had everyone on their feet in appreciation.
Family Promise: This past week I met with parishioners Lindsay Moore and Amy Deloney to discuss our parish’s ongoing support of Family Promise. We are a supporting parish of their work. Our next week to help is the week of June 4 – 10.
Some sad news: Life, as you know, is filled with ups and downs. While I was enjoying the auction I was informed by people at the auction that an old friend of mine from Lansing had died through suicide. He was 39 years old, father of two young children, and a teacher. And then a couple at the auction had to leave early as their grandfather had passed away. The following night we had a healing service at the parish. We prayed with a lot of people. There are some women in our parish battling cancer. Also moving was to see a family with seven children under 16 years old drive about 50 minutes just to attend the healing service. The mom has stage IV breast cancer. What brought tears to our eyes was watching her very young children kneeling in front of the Blessed Sacrament, no doubt praying for their mom. We need Jesus. Our hope is in his healing power.
Visitation: This Wednesday, May 31, is the Feast of the Visitation. This day is a personal favorite. As Mary visited Elizabeth and brought her great joy, so even now our Blessed Mother comes to us and brings us incredible joy with her presence with us. May we all receive her into our homes and our hearts.
Graduation: Fr. Gary and I have been getting invited to a lot of graduation parties. We look forward to attending as many as possible. Our parish graduation Mass for our graduating high school and college students is on Sunday, June 4, at the 10 am Mass. There will be a reception in our parish hall afterward. Hope to see you then.
Pentecost: Next weekend (June 3-4) is Pentecost Sunday. Come Holy Spirit!!!
Be assured of my prayers and love. Have a blessed week enjoying the warm weather.
Msgr. Jerry
Saint quote of the week:
“We used to hate and destroy one another and refused to associate with people of another race or country. Now, because of Christ, we live together with such people and pray for our enemies.” This quote comes from St. Justin, whose feast day is June 1. Justin converted to Christianity after pursuing many other different philosophies. He was put to death by the Roman emperor, who tried to convince Justin to drop Christianity. The emperor asked Justin, “If you are killed do you suppose you will go to heaven?” Justin said, “I do not suppose it, but I know and am fully persuaded of it.” He was beheaded in 165 AD.