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05-23-2020Weekly ReflectionFr. James Aboyi

Dear Parishioners,

I was so delighted to see many of you during Masses last weekend. I am grateful for everyone who was able to participate online or in-person. I thank you all for your patience and understanding during the whole period of this crisis. My special thanks to the parish staff and volunteers who helped with the liturgical planning and services.

This past weekend, as I stood on the Altar during Mass, the image that came to my mind from the Bible was the experience of the Israelites returning back from exile (Nehemiah 8:1-9). On returning back from exile, the priest, Ezra, gathered the people and read the Scriptures to them from morning until evening. All the people stood, raised their hands and praised God, then they knelt down and wept upon hearing the Scriptures for the first time after so many years in exile. In a similar way, I saw how most of us were moved to tears of joy during the Mass for now being able to participate fully in the Eucharistic celebration as a community after nearly two months. What a memorable Homecoming for all of us!

This weekend we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord, 40 days after the Resurrection. One analogy that can be used to drive home the meaning of “ascension” is that of a relay race. The most critical moment in a relay race is the passing of the baton from one runner to another. More than any other part of the race, that moment often determines if the race is won or lost. On this day, more than 2,000 years ago, Jesus passed the baton of responsibility to his apostles, commissioning them to complete the work he had begun. Today, that same mission is entrusted to every one of us too; we have been handed the baton. We are called and sent by Jesus to preach the Good News and bring the peace and love of God to everyone in our lives.

Thank you and remain blessed,

Fr. James

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