FEATURED POST

In one way, the Ascension of Jesus began an intermediate phase in the life of the Apostles. Jesus had taught them for three (3) years before His death and then again after Easter. After Jesus’ Ascension, the Holy Spirit had more to teach them. Even after Pentecost, they still had much to learn.

Have you ever met someone who had no hope? When I turn on the news, I think I see it in individuals whose homes were destroyed in a tornado or in a wildfire or in some other natural disaster ... they look utterly dejected ... in shock ... maybe with no hope.

Thoughtful reflection on our readings from Sacred Scripture today can reveal some pertinent information about the Church, the Body of Christ, here on earth. The First Reading from the Acts of the Apostles shows how a critical pastoral problem was solved by the early Church. The ministry of the Church included (and still includes) not only evangelization, but also works of charity.

Years ago, in a small southeastern Indiana village called Oldenburg there lived a dairy farmer called Marvin Wissel. Marvin was a kind, gentle, loving man who had names for each one of his cows. He would introduce you to Clara, Isabelle, Mabel and so on as he would affectionately pat each one as he introduced them. It soon became very obvious that Marvin was an exemplary caretaker. He lived on the family farm where his elderly Mom and Dad still lived. His Dad was crippled wit