From the Pastor's Desk: Deeper Relationship with God

This week is the Ascension of the Lord.  Jesus leads his disciples to Bethany where he ascends into heaven.  It says that the disciples did him homage and then they returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and continually praising God in the temple.
 
Jesus is always leading us.  Just imagine the bittersweet moment that the apostles had.  They are with the risen Lord.  They lost him in the crucifixion, got him back in the resurrection, and now have to say goodbye again.  Yet now,  Jesus has a new relationship with them.  They go back to the temple because that is the presence of God in the world.    
 
Less than 10 days later they are in the upper room due to the of fear of the Jews.  Again a place where they have a connection with Jesus.  Then Jesus sends the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
 
We have already had our Pentecost moment, it is called baptism and confirmation.  In those sacraments we are clothed with the Holy Spirit and sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  This means that God has a constant relationship with us.  He is calling all of us to a deeper relationship with Him. Remember disciples are called to a deeper relationship.   How are we returning to Mass every Sunday?  Is it with great joy as like the disciples, or is our joy lessened right now.
 
Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.  This means that joy is more than a feeling, no it is not the song from Boston.  Joy is an interior contentment that comes from being close to God and in right relationship with others.
 
Although that song talks of a love that slipped away from him.  Sometimes we allow our relationship with God to slip away and wonder where it went to. It happens...we struggle, we may have a sin that we can't shake, maybe we have disappointments, maybe we are too busy.  There are many reasons why our relationship with God may slip.  
 
Yet, being clothed and sealed with the Holy Spirit means that we are never lost to to God and that relationship with Him is never broken.  Disciples answer that call from God and return to that relationship.  His loves never slips away from us.  
 
This week, first sign up for a liturgical ministry.  After you do that, pray this prayer: Jesus meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto thine.  
 
This ia a prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus to make our hearts like his and deepen our relationship with God.  
 
Answer the call from God to a deeper relationship with him.
 
As we finish this message please also pray for the people of Maria Stein. St. John's Church caught fire and they lost their church.  Please pray for them.  I spoke with Fr. Tony of the Precious Bloods.  They have many people already helping, they are asking for prayers.
 
In Christ,
Fr. Brian