Feast of the Ascension
May 30 -June 1, 2025
Gospel: Luke 24: 46-53
On Saturday; January 21, 1961 (over 64 years ago), we inaugurated the first Catholic president of the United States. John F. Kennedy went on to become one of our more popular presidents. Some say his masterfully projected youthful aura and his sense of public service were key ingredients of his success, especially after his death. Even newer truths about him seem to be taken in stride against his well-crafted Camelot image, which was so carefully built by his daddy’s money, his family and his political machine. Yet, all that looks tame considering the presidential elections of 2016, 2020 and 2024…
Every person (old enough) remembers the spot on which he or she was standing on November 22, 1963 when they heard that John Kennedy was assassinated. I was 8 years old and remember my mother crying as we both watched those black and white pictures on that old General Electric TV. It was a most painful loss to us as Americans and as Catholics, but the wisdom of our laws provided for an immediate replacement so that the work of our country could continue. And it did…
Our church also provides for succession of leadership for the office of pope, for the office of bishops, for the office of pastors and the office of lay ministers. It is the clear intention of Jesus, that as a community of faith, we continue to bring forth, from among our own, people who will lead us. This is why it is so important that every person take seriously the opportunity to serve wherever needed. I especially draw attention to our Parish Council and persons who consider being a representative. You are needed in these days of upcoming new leadership!
In God’s plan we are protected, guarded and consecrated to the holy life of discipleship to overcome the pain of loss and the fear of change. Today, in the Feast of the Ascension, we remember change. That was the day Jesus went back to God in body form. It was a difficult day for His people, to let go of Him a second time. I would think it was unbearable…
Our leadership may change for many reasons. There may be a call to a different ministry. Leaders may develop new skills, which allow them to minister in new ways. They may see new needs and leave one ministry to begin another. They may choose to work in a different location, another committee, and another level of volunteerism.
Sometimes they just can’t go on in their present ministry. A leader may burn out from difficult work and very long hours. An illness may make it impossible for them to continue. They may even die a natural death or even be martyred. Sometimes we all feel like that.
They may have been removed from ministry because they have caused harm to others or to themselves. In some cases, there has been behavior that would not allow them to continue as effective leaders. I do not say this because of the events of our most recent past but it always been with us through the centuries…
Our leadership is renewed in many ways. From Acts we can hear a group of disciples nominate two people to replace Judas and lots were drawn to choose one. The people had a voice and so did the Spirit. This continues today. Your voice is heard when you offer your time and your talent. When we are not heard we become disenchanted. We do not want our sisters and brothers of our parish to become disenchanted, and when they do, we need to reach out to them.
Our pope is elected by cardinals, and at different times and places in the history (including the early, early history of the church in the United States) bishops were elected by local priests and lay leaders. Today, bishops and priests-pastors are appointed with some level of local consultation. We can expect all of these methods, and others, to be used in the future, or, as they say “the future is now”. The process takes place within a loving and Spirit-guided community. John tells us today about love. We experience God’s protective presence in the compassion we share. Our leaders are called from among the community of care souls.
At those times when we experience change and renewal of our leaders, it is the Holy Spirit that consecrates us to holiness and is our sure guide and help. In today’s gospel reading, Jesus prays that we will be protected and made holy. We live with the belief that these words will guide us in special times of renewal. It is these daily relationships that community is forged and concern lived.
The Eucharist we share is a union with Jesus as well as one another. In this union we find the sure help that God offers to each of us and to our church as a whole.
A POEM TO VOLUNTEERS
Many will be shocked to find,
When the Day of Judgement nears,
That there’s a special place in
Heaven set aside for Volunteers.
Furnished with big recliners,
Satin couches and footstools;
Where there’s no committee chairman,
No group leaders or carpools.
No eager team that needs a Coach;
No bazaar and no bake sale;
There will be nothing to staple,
Not one thing to fold or mail.
Telephone lists will be outlawed,
But a finger snap will bring,
Cool drinks and gourmet dinners
And rare treats fit for a queen or king.
You ask, who serves these privileged few
And work for all they’re worth?
Why, all those who reaped the benefits,
And not once volunteered on earth.
