Daily Reflection for Thursday, May 26, 2022
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Thursday’s readings at this link: CLICK HERE
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Acts 1:1-11
Responsorial: Psalm 47:2-3, 6-9
Second Reading: Ephesians 1:17-23
Gospel: Luke 24:46-53
Our Reflection on Thursday’s Reading:
When He said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight. Acts 1:9
I often wonder what was going through the minds of the Apostles when Jesus ascended into heaven. They had been through so much. They had watched the man they believed to be the Messiah arrested and killed, only to rejoice upon His resurrection just days later. Jesus would continue to teach them the gospel message for the next several weeks while they also avoided persecution by the authorities. Then without warning, He was gone again.
I can only imagine the confusion, fear, grief, and anxiety that must have coursed through them as they watched their Messiah rise into heaven. Only the admonition of the angels calmed them, renewed their faith and hope and helped them remember the promises of Christ.
I think the spiritual and emotional journey the disciples went through mirrors our own at times. I have experienced the joy of being in the presence of the Lord and the satisfaction that I have done His work. I have also felt like the disciples probably felt in the reading today- abandoned, alone and confused. We have all probably felt at one time like God has left us, especially when we lose a loved one. However, in these moments it is important to remember that even though we don’t have angels to remind us of God’s love and guidance, He has given us all the gift of the Spirit. If we just take a moment to calm ourselves and let the Spirit guide us, we can be assured of Christ’s love and remember that we are not alone.
I am writing this reflection the day after our beloved Fr. Paul Koetter left us for the final time. For me personally, he was a true disciple and helped me renew my faith and brought me into the Church. To watch him suffer such a horrific disease was disheartening and I’m sure there were times as he struggled with ALS that he may have felt scared, angry and sad. However, today we can rejoice that God has called him home. Just like Christ, our time on earth is fleeting and Fr. Paul could only be with us for a portion of our journey. Today may you rejoice and be filled with thanksgiving that we have a Lord who has gifted us with His love and Spirit to see us through the hard times until we might meet Him again in paradise.
Peace and blessings,
Pete Kuester