LETTER FROM THE PASTOR
The Feast of the Ascension: Preparing for Pentecost
Dear Family,
Life is full of beginnings and endings, arrivals and departures, joys and sorrows. We do not always like endings because they often bring uncertainty, sadness, and fear. Yet every ending also carries within it the possibility of a new beginning.
The Feast of the Ascension reminds us of this important truth. The Ascension did not mark the end of Jesus’ presence with His disciples; rather, it marked the beginning of a new way in which He would remain with them through the power of the Holy Spirit.
The disciples must have experienced deep emotions as Jesus ascended into heaven. They had walked with Him, listened to Him, and depended on His physical presence. Naturally, they may have wondered: “How will we continue without Him?” Yet Jesus reassured them with these powerful words: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… and remember, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus did not leave His disciples alone. He promised them the gift of the Holy Spirit, who would guide, strengthen, and accompany them in their mission.
In our own lives, we also experience moments of loss, separation, disappointment, and unexpected changes. During such moments, we often panic and try to regain control immediately. But the Ascension teaches us something important: sometimes we must pause, pray, wait, and trust in God’s timing. Jesus asked His disciples to remain in Jerusalem and wait for the promise of the Father. They were not to rush ahead relying only on their own strength.
The same invitation is given to us today. We are called to trust that God continues to guide His Church and our lives through the Holy Spirit.
As we prepare for Pentecost, we reflect on the Paschal Candle, which symbolizes the presence of the risen Christ. Soon the Easter season will conclude, and the candle will no longer stand prominently before us. Yet the light of Christ does not disappear. As Augustine of Hippo beautifully said, Christ withdrew from our sight so that we might discover Him within our hearts.
May the Holy Spirit renew our hearts and fill us with joy, courage, and faith. Please begin praying, the Novena to the Holy Spirit as we prepare for the Feast of Pentecost.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.
With gratitude and prayer,
Fr. Binoy A. Lucka, O.SS.T
Your Pastor, Servant Leader in Christ
