"Shout joyfully to God, all the earth, sing praise to the glory of his name; proclaim his glorious praise. Say to God, “How tremendous are your deeds!”
Psalm 66:1-3
Readings
Acts of the Apostles 8:5-8,14-17 Letter of St. Peter 3:15-18 or 4:13-16, if you are celebrating the Feast of the Ascension on Sunday, May 24 Gospel according to John 14:15-21 or 17:1-11a, if you are celebrating the Feast of the Ascension on 5/24
Reflection
by Sister Dorothy Jean Beyer, OSB
In the Gospel, Jesus says, “I will not leave you orphans.” He continues with these words: “…you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you.” What comforting words for us! Jesus will not leave us abandoned. He is so close to each one of us. He will be with us always, through the tough times and the good times. Jesus lives in us and we in Him. We sometimes forget this. We sometimes feel bereft of Jesus and his consolation, his love, and his protection. We are surrounded with many signs that Jesus is present among us. He is present in the Eucharist and in the Sacred Scriptures. He is among us in community. “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there in their midst.” (Matthew 18:20) In our chapel, we have the beautiful Lambert Rucki crucifix at the altar and outside, visible for all to see is the silver cross on top of the lantern of the chapel, which proclaims, Jesus is here! In thanksgiving, we can pray with the psalmist: “Let all the earth cry out to God with joy!” Jesus is among us! We are not orphans! This week, how will I remember that Jesus is near, is so close to me, that he has not left us orphans? How will I remember that Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, who will be with us always? Let us “sanctify Christ as Lord in our hearts.” “We believe that the divine presence is everywhere….” Rule of Benedict:19:1 Gospel Acclamation “Whoever loves me will keep my word, says the Lord, and my Father will love him and we will come to him.”
John 14:23