Christ is Risen!

This week we celebrate the Ascension of our Lord.

We thought we would share with you a few thoughts from Pope Benedict XVI and also a small reflection based on his homily. (Excerpts from his address in May 2010)

Speaking to the throng gathered in St. Peter's Square: The Holy Father told them that the Ascension, celebrated in Italy on Sunday, is not a question of abandonment, because “He remains with them forever in a new way." The Pope recalled that it was preceded by the blessing of the disciples which prepared them for the gift of the Holy Spirit "so that salvation might be proclaimed everywhere. He continues to be with us on our path as Christians as He is the companion of those persecuted because of their faith, and is in the heart of the marginalized and is present in those to whom the right to life is denied."

“We also remain able to hear, see and touch the Lord through the Church,” he went on, “especially through the Word and the sacraments.” Turning to those receiving the sacrament of Confirmation this Easter season, he exhorted them to "stay faithful to the Word of God and to the learned doctrine," while keeping close to the sacraments of Confession and the Eucharist, "aware of having been chosen and constituted to witness to the Truth."

Before turning in prayer to the Virgin Mary in the Regina Coeli, Pope Benedict closed by referring back to the Ascension. Through this event, he said, the Lord opened the way to Heaven for us, thus permitting us to "foretaste" the divine life from our place on earth.

This provides us with something to reflect upon as we consider what we might do to be a part of the new evangelization that the Pope is calling us to. As Jesus sent the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and the early church, how are we helping to spread the Good News in today’s world?

Do we live and witness our Catholic faith? Maybe we can choose to do one thing each day to strengthen our church. Not all are called to step out publicly but we can all commit to at least one prayer said each day for our church both locally and internationally for religious freedom.

Please be assured of our prayers especially as we look forward to the great Feast of Pentecost.

Blessing of Peace and Good to All!

The Poor Clare Sisters of Spokane

Franciscan Monastery of Saint Clare
4419 N Hawthorne St
Spokane, WA 99205, USA