Dear Parishioners,
Why Are You Looking At The Sky?
When Jesus physically left His apostles to ascend to His Father in heaven, two men dressed in white asked a question that is still relevant for us today: “Why are you standing there looking at the sky?” But who could blame the apostles? This is the second time their Lord and Master appears to have left them. The first time was after His crucifixion and now this! Saying good-bye once is hard enough, but twice is really hard.
But Jesus told them time and time again, “I will never leave you or forsake you. I will be with you until the end of time.” By now they must realize Jesus says what He means. Jesus said He would send an Advocate – He even told them it would be the Holy Spirit. These words must have allowed them to leave that place charged up and ready to do what Jesus was asking them to do. But then came the waiting. Jesus never said “when” He would send the Holy Spirit. Knowing that something is going to happen but not knowing when makes waiting almost unbearable.
The apostles stayed together during those days following Jesus’s Ascension. As each day passed, their faith and courage may have grown stronger, but perhaps the feelings of doubt also grew. The ten days of waiting (between Jesus’s Ascension and the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost) may have had a greater purpose. The apostles saw they needed one another – they realized together they could strengthen and encourage each other.
Jesus chose twelve men for a reason – He knew the mission He was giving them could not be done in isolation. The apostles (like all of us) need one another. Even though God has a specific purpose and plan for every person, part of that plan is relying on, and being present for one another. That is where our family, our church and our community of faith comes in. We each have our own path to take, but the journey to our destiny was meant to be filled with the love, support and prayers of others.
So why are you looking up? What we need to see is right in front of us.
Sincerely in Christ,
Father Lito