Happy Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord! The Ascension is not Jesus getting away from us or some form of distancing, but really the opposite. As long as Jesus walked the earth, he was bodily in one place at one time (although being God, he really is omnipresent). But as Jesus ascends, it becomes clear he present to us all, at all places at all times. As Jesus says at the very end of the Gospel of Mathew, “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Mt 28:20) The Ascension is also about the enthronement of Christ and his dominion and glory.
This weekend also we celebrate all those graduating their respective educational institutions. We pray that even if they move away from high-school to college, or from college to the workplace, that they remain close to us always. We may not enthrone them, but we do honor their achievements. I have a blessing prayer I’ve often used for graduates, one you could use yourselves at home as well.
Peace,
Fr. Greg
Blessing of Graduates
Before you were even formed, God knew you.
While in your Mother’s womb, God named you.
At your birth, God’s breath filled you with life.
Today we celebrate what you have become
at this moment in time. And so we pray,
God of our beginnings,
We thank you for the gifts of these graduates;
their excitement, their awesome wonder and curiosity,
their open speech and encouraging words.
Their contributions have blessed and challenged us,
and we have become a richer
and more diverse community because of them.
As they step forward into the world that awaits,
comfort their fears with the full knowledge of your divine presence.
Strengthen their resolve to walk in the footsteps of Jesus
as modern-day disciples in a world that needs their spirit.
Guide their feet as they move through life,
protecting them from the pitfalls of darkness
while they help to lead future generations
into the warmth and promise of your light.
We ask your blessing upon each of them,
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen