St James Catholic Church

Final messages are very important.  They might be the last words of encouragement to our children before they go off to college; or maybe, we’re moving to another part of the country and saying goodbye to friends and neighbors.  Or even more important, the last words we share with a dying family member or friend.  Then literally it makes the message more important because they are our last words to them.

That’s what makes our gospel of Christ’s Ascension to his Father so important.  It’s the last instruction he gave to the church before he ascended to heaven.  He asks his church to do three things:  Go forth and invite people into a relationship with him through the waters of baptism and in the name of the Trinity.  Secondly, to teach all nations the good news of salvation, and we do that primarily through our words and actions.  And thirdly, to be aware that he is still here.  “I am with you always, until the end of the age.”  We are not left alone and we are not left powerless.  “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.”  The Holy Spirit gives us the power, the strength, the capability to build the kingdom.  Don’t just stand there looking up in the sky.  There is still much to be done even after 2000 years.

Love, Peace, Joy

Fr. Bob

This is the time of year when the Church of Milwaukee ordains new priests to serve in the church, and so all of us priests are celebrating anniversaries.  This year Fr. George celebrates his 50th anniversary of ordination.  We pray God’s blessing on him for continued health and service to God’s people.  We haven’t seen too much of him lately because he has been isolated, safe at home.  When things settle down a bit we will join him in gratitude for these many years of preaching, teaching, ministering, and celebrating the sacraments so faithfully.

This is also Memorial Day weekend.  A time to give pause in thankfulness for the many men and women who have sacrificed their lives for peace and freedom in our world and country.  We also pray for all our faithful departed.  Eternal rest grant unto them oh Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon them.  May they rest in peace.

Amen.