Mission Accmplished

In most of the Dioceses of the United States, the Solemnity of the Ascension is being celebrated; in a few others, such as Boston, Hartford, New York,Newark, Omaha and Philadelphia, it was observed on the Traditional Thursday, 40 days after Easter. We will focus on the gospel for the Seventh Sunday of Easter where Jesus speaks to us about fulfilling his mission and including us in the on-going mission. John, 17: 1-11. Spoken at the Last Supper, it contains the sentiments of Jesus as he prepares the Eleven for the next and brutal phase of his mission, his passion and death.  He has accomplished what the Father asked of him (or will soon), and has aligned these men (and us) to carry on his mission after he returns to the Father's right hand. It might seem like a daunting and impossible task, but followers of Jesus for 2,000 years have carried it out, and we too will do it because Jesus has united us to himself and has given us the Holy Spirit to animate us and give us all that we need to accomplish it in our corner of the world.  May we do all that we can in this corner asking Jesus to unite us more and more with him as well as to send us his Spirit daily.  Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in us the fire of your love.
Bro. Rene