Dear Parishioners and Friends,

The most important commandment left by Jesus as He ascended to heaven was to preach the Gospel to the whole world.

This order promulgates that death, then resurrection, and as a result Salvation applies not only to us, the chosen who believe and accept His teachings, but also to those who, although they do not yet know the principles of faith are predestined to believe, reconcile and take part in salvation.

Jesus teaches us to inform, evangelize, and lead others to collective glory. The words passed on to us through the Acts of the Apostles: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes to you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1,7-8) although directed at the disciples, are indirectly addressed to all of us because we have become His disciples through baptism and it is our duty to proclaim the truth.

How do we fulfill this obligation? This is the biggest question, one which we will be trying to answer until the end of our earthly life. But there is hope for us, as we are guided by love and goodness. Paul spells out our tasks carefully, “ that the eyes of your understanding may be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope of His calling and what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance among the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power”(Eph 1,18-19).

Christ Himself directs other important words at us: “You are witnesses of these things.” (Lk 24,48), which means that we have to testify to the truth about Christ, the truth about His life and teachings, the truth of faith to others. We are to not only serve through the word, but also to fulfill the words of Christ when He was speaking to the Apostles, that they are to be witnesses of the forgiveness of sins to all the nations. In the context of this quotation from the Gospel of Luke, we should understand that Ascension does not mean termination of God’s care over His people, but on the contrary, it promises His protection until the end of time.

Today the United States and many countries around the world celebrate Mother’s Day. This is a very special day filled with warmth, love, memories of childhood, gratitude and prayer. I encourage all to say a very special prayer for your dear mother, one who is still by your side, or one who is no longer with us. A mother is a person who passes on life, love and the most beautiful values, including faith, to prepare us for life. On Mother’s Day every child wants to express their gratitude to their mother. May the Lord bless all mothers, and accept those who are deceased to the community of Saints. God bless!