Dear Friends in Christ,

This Sunday we celebrate the great feast of the "Ascension of the Lord." Jesus tells His followers that the "promise" of the Father will come as a result of His going to the Father. In last week's Gospel, Jesus said, "If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father..." The Ascension of Jesus gives way to the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, who empowers all believers to live the faith of Christ in word and in deed. Jesus said, "you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

The power that the Holy Spirit brings will enable God's people to use the gifts of the Spirit to spread the message of Christ. St. Paul reminded the Ephesians of the grace of God that would make a difference in their lives. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, that same grace is available to us. St. Paul prayed,

"May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones, and what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe, in accord with the exercise of his great might: which he worked in Christ, raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens, far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things beneath his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way."

Thus, our focus on Christ, enabled by the power of the Holy Spirit, opens the door to God's great power made manifest in our lives. Living a Christ filled life results in eternal life for those who place their faith and hope in Him. The mystery of the Ascension completes the circle of love that is God. For we believe in one God who is a "Trinity" of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Ascension shows us the love of God that allows for the coming of the Holy Spirit.

On the eve of the celebration of Pentecost, next Sunday, I pray that you will be open to a renewal of your faith in Jesus Christ by asking God for a deeper release of the power of the Holy Spirit in your life. Each of us needs God's grace and power to live an authentic life in Christ. In the words from the letter to the Hebrews, may you be willing to renew your faith in Christ, "with a sincere heart and in absolute trust, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water. Let us hold unwaveringly to our confession that gives us hope, for he who made the promise is trustworthy."

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Father Tarantino
Pastor