From Our Pastor: The Ascension of the Lord

This weekend we celebrate the ascension. We move the Ascension holy day of obligation from Thursday to Sunday. I really wish we didn’t and many priests agree. We lose the 40 day mark when we move it from Thursday to Sunday. And we lose a whole set of Easter readings and prayers when we move the feast. Again, this is an American invention to move the feast day to make it easier on people to stay in the state of grace for not missing a holy day of obligation. While the sentiment is nice I think it’s better to challenge people than to make everything too easy because the result is it’s not important then when it really is. The beautiful gift of the Ascension is that not only will we rise with Christ, but that we will follow him into heaven. The Ascension shows that our bodies, when raised from the dead and made perfect, go with us into heaven. Where he goes, we follow. I think the words that are most important to paraphrase: Why are you still looking up into the sky? This Jesus will return in the same way! Stop staring and waiting, get the work done he has given to you because when He returns what will you have to present to Him? And who will you have to bring with you? Now go preach the good news that where He goes we can follow.

First off I want to thank everyone for their wonderful birthday cards. It was nice to hear such loving and supportive messages. Secondly, thank you for supporting the campaign and I hope if you have not turned in a pledge card, you still take the opportunity to do so even if we have hit our goal. I hope we over reach because there are several new opportunities I have spoken about that can only happen if we exceed our goal. Thirdly, thank you for the wonderful response when Father Rafal announced he was leaving. I know he was so moved, but it warmed my heart to let him know how much he is loved here at St. Francis. He will be a good pastor because of what you have taught him and how you have loved him. Fourthly, I hope you welcome our new priest, Fr. Bruce Scott, with open arms and prayers.

Please support the efforts of our parish picnic and make the fun and exciting event that it is that helps support our school.

There’s been so much to say because I haven’t been able to write lately to allow Fr. Rafal and Thomas their opportunities, but I look forward to telling you about more exciting things this last month or so. God bless you all.

- Rev. Steven Arisman