Pentecost

Dear friends,

Christ has ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. This gives us great hope. He has taken our lowly human body and raised it up. United to His divinity, He raised up our mortal nature above the angels to the very throne of God in heaven. He is seated at the right hand of the Father to intercede for us. Contemplating this mystery our hearts are drawn into the mystery for as Jesus said, “Where your hearts are, there will your treasure be.” Each Sunday we have the opportunity to contemplate these wonderful truths that raise our hearts to heaven. What about the rest of the week?

If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.

Collosians 3 1-4

For forty days we have been basking in the light of Christ and are full of the joy of the resurrection. As we have our eyes fixed on Him our hearts are raised as well to where He is. Yet, so often our earthly concerns and preoccupations distract us from what is most important; our relationship with Christ. What are the distractions for you? What are the things that are keeping you from focusing on God? What in your life is not in accord with His will, or with the teaching of the Church? What more could you do to put Christ at the center of your life?

As we prepare our hearts for the coming of the Holy Spirit next Sunday as we celebrate Pentecost, let us pray that our hearts will be open to receive the gifts that He wants to give us.

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

Fr. Jack D. Shrum