Fr. Andrew’s Ascension Homily Podcast
Feast of the Ascension Readings
This time of year marks a major transition for many students: graduating from formal schooling and beginning a new experience. This practical cycle of human life finds a parallel with the Ascension – where the disciples are now empowered by the Lord to continue his ministry.
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast – Friday of the 6th Week of Easter
This is really two podcasts put together: some 5th graders from Cathedral school offered their reflections, and their thoughts are followed with the actual homily given at Mass. May we face the grief of this world with the faith of Christ…who will bring us to eternal joy.
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily – Thursday of the 6th Week of Easter
Note: In many parts of the world the Feast of the Ascension (one of my favorites) is moved to the 7th Sunday of Easter. That’s true for my diocese, so today I am reflecting on the daily reading – where Paul is preaching the Gospel in Corinth while “earning his keep” at a trade – and reminds us that we find the Lord in both our work and our prayer.
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast – Wednesday of the 6th Week of Easter
Paul preaches in Athens – a center of intellectual might in the ancient world – and he did not convert many followers there. Yet for all its prestige and cultural power, ancient Athens today is a ruin, whereas the faith of Christ continues to grow…changing hearts and lives in powerful and dynamic ways.
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast – the Feast of Philip & James
The Feast of Philip & James Readings
Two apostles that do not get as much attention as some of the others, James (the Lesser, the son of Alphaeus) and Philip are nevertheless wonderful examples for us:
May they inspire us to live our faith with conviction each and ever day!
Study: Think about a major transition in your life. Who helped you?
Pray: Where do you see opportunities for growth in your life? Ask the Lord for guidance and strength.
Serve: Is there someone you are mentoring right now, or someone who would benefit from your help? How might you help them grow?
Feast of the Ascension Readings
Over the years of my own priesthood, I have come to cherish the Feast of the Ascension. Consider these “steps” in the mission of the Lord:
The Ascension – in which the disciples saw the Lord ascend into Heaven – is thus a crucial aspect of Christ’s mission. Everything before the Ascension was part of God’s plan of salvation, and now the early Church must begin to continue this mission in a new way.
Think about it. This feast is a moment when the Church has to start growing up! It’s about walking on your own, putting into practice what you’ve been taught, and learning to do for yourself what others formerly did for you.
We see this in life. Parents teach and care for their children so that they can one day be independent and live on their own. Teachers work with their students and rejoice when their academic work takes them to new opportunities far beyond the classroom. Coaches and mentors spend countless hours with youth to help them mature into adulthood. This process is good, blessed, and wholesome.
And it’s hard. Let’s be clear: empowering people to grow up also means that they often take flight and leave us. They move on, and we must face the challenges of letting them go so they can grow: parents watch their kids move away; teachers watch their students pass on to the next grade; coaches say farewell at the end of a season.
Yet this process – with all it’s blessings and burdens – is the way we develop as persons. It’s the journey that strengthens us so that we can mature into the full stature of our life in Jesus Christ. The Lord’s grace is meant to transform us, and while this is seldom easy, it is always done with heavenly help.
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Ascension, John Singleton Copely, 1775, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 