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Appleton, WI

Homily Connect: May 24

Ascension of the Lord-Sunday May 24, 2020

ACTS 1:1-11 | EPH 1:17-23 | MT 28:16-20

Scripture

While meeting with them, he enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for “the promise of the Father about which you have heard me speak; for John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”…When he had said this and they looked on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.

This Time of Disorder

  • We have been forced to let go of much

The Ascension Was a Time of Letting Go

  • He cautioned Mary Magdalene and the Apostles not to hold on to him
  • He would return to His Father but come to and remain with them in a new way
  • Letting go of Jesus would insure the power of his Spirit of Love would arrive

The Nine Days Were a Disordered Time

  • Mary Magdalene and the Apostles were once again thrown into a time of uncertainty
  • Something new and amazing was about to come

What Lies Beneath the Disorder?

  • There is goodness that comes from adjustments and accommodations
  • We are being reacquainted with common wonders and simple pleasures
  • We are an adaptable and ingenious species

How Has the Pandemic Affected Our Interior Life?

  • Are we being called to let go of anger, prejudice, discrimination, quickness to judge or lack of forgiveness

Preparing Our Hearts for Something New

  • Letting go so the Holy Spirit Can pour something new into our hearts
  • Reorder follows disorder
  • There is always a reason for hope!

Questions for Reflection

  • What impacted you from today’s Readings and/or homily?
  • What do you think it was like for Jesus’ friends when they saw him leave?
  • What is the most difficult way your world has been disordered by the pandemic?
  • What is something new that has been created in your life due to the pandemic?
  • What would you like to let go of in your interior life to prepare for something new this Pentecost?

Live Connected

  • Pray to the Holy Spirit to reorder our world in a way to bring us closer to the Kingdom.
  • Be aware of each day and make a list of the new things the Holy Spirit is doing in your
    life.