Our Hearts Are Heavy (E-Pistle)

Español

Our hearts are heavy as we see the faces and learn about the lives of our brothers and sisters in Uvalde who died by another senseless act of violence.  In moments such as these, our faith moves us to pray for and with one another. Children are a precious gift from God that we must always love and protect.  We are thankful for the teachers who sacrificed themselves for their students, for law enforcement and first responders.  May the lives of the children killed, their teachers and those wounded, and all profoundly impacted by this horrific event, know the loving presence of God who will never leave us to face our perils alone.  

This week, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord – the day that Jesus ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of God the Father.  On this solemnity, we reflect on what we have experienced through the Easter season and prepare ourselves to embrace the mission of the Church at Pentecost. Christ’s ascension into heaven is not his leaving us; rather, Christ is always with us especially as he sustains us in the Eucharist. This union with Christ in the Eucharist also makes us one with each other – the Body of Christ.  

This coming Monday we also celebrate the important American holiday – Memorial Day – a day to honor fallen soldiers who died while serving their country and protecting our freedom. We pray for these heroic men and women and the families left behind whose lives are forever changed by their sacrifice. 

Please be assured of my prayers for each of you.