One United Family!
The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord marks an essential moment in the Christian faith, one that prompts us to look not only upward but also outward a moment of departure but also of commissioning. Before He ascended into heaven, Jesus instructed His disciples, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” This command is the foundation of Christian evangelism, a charge that extends to the disciples as well as to us today.
In the busyness of our lives, the phrase “I don’t have time” has become a modern credo. Many of us use this as an excuse to prioritize our personal interests, responsibilities, and distractions over our spiritual lives and our duty to spread God’s word. Being consumed by the hustle and bustle of everyday life, leaves us little room for prayer, reflection, and acts of faith.
Dear brothers and sisters, on this Ascension Sunday, instead of making excuses, let’s reexamine our priorities and reconsider how we can make time for God and sharing the Good News. We are called to make a conscious effort to prioritize our relationship with the divine and to actively engage in spreading the message of salvation to those around us. This requires a shift in mindset, a reordering of our values, and a commitment to living out the teachings of Christ.
May holds a special significance in the Catholic Church as we honor the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Mary is a powerful example of faith, humility, and love. Just as Jesus entrusted His disciples to Mary as He hung on the cross, we too can turn to her as our spiritual mother, seeking her intercession and guidance in our lives. In the spirit of unity and prayer, let us come together as one family to dedicate a few minutes each day to pray the Rosary. The Rosary is a powerful prayer that invites us to meditate on the life of Jesus through the eyes of Mary. By praying the Rosary together, we not only honor our Mother Mary but also strengthen our bond as a community of believers.
As we celebrate Mother’s Day weekend, let us express our gratitude and love for our mothers, both living and deceased. They play a vital role in shaping our lives by nurturing us with love, care, and sacrifice. Through their selfless devotion, they reflect God’s unconditional love for us and teach us valuable lessons about compassion, forgiveness and resilience. On this special weekend, let us remember to thank God for the gift of our mothers and to lift them in prayer. Let us pray for their health, happiness, and well-being, and ask for God’s blessings upon them. Whether near or far, let us reach out to our mothers with words of appreciation, acts of kindness, and gestures of love that reflect the love that God has for each one of us.
Happy Mother’s Day to all Mothers!
Fr. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor