Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We are presently in the “in-between” days of the Church. Our Lord Jesus has Ascended to the Father’s right hand and the infant Church has been weaned by Christ and like a fledgling bird is waiting to spread Its wings. There is thunderous prayer arising from the Upper Room as Our Lady and the Apostles and disciples await the coming of the Advocate, the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit. There is excitement and anxiety as they wonder: “what will the future bring?” Who of us has not gone through the same? Just think of the many new and future graduates struggling with the same emotions.
But infused with this questioning and uncertainty is the power of prayer. The Church’s first novena is underway. And the confidence that comes from bringing all things to Christ, even our trepidations, assures us that the future, which is always in God’s hands, will be beyond our expectations. Did Peter ever think that he would end up, both literally and physically in Rome? Did Paul ever anticipate taking Europe by storm? We learn from and imitate the trust that the Mother of God and the followers of Christ placed in the power of prayer and the confidence that God will bring to fruition His purpose. All we need to do is cooperate. In these nine days between Ascension and Pentecost may we prepare our hearts for renewal especially in greater reverence and devotion to Christ in the Holy Eucharist. In a special way we pray for our children who next Saturday will receive Our Divine Lord for the first time. May they and their parents and family be filled with zeal and steadfast faith in coming to Christ, the Bread of Life.
With Blessings,
Father Langan