“God comes… We say it so glibly. God comes. But how does God come? Like winter thawing into spring? Like a delivery truck driver plopping a box on our porch? Like a cranky child pestering for a cookie? Answer: any of the above.

For Elijah, God comes as a ‘still small voice’(see 1Kgs 19:12). Many of us like that sort of coming. We like a God who whispers and woos rather than one who shouts and creates a big scene. But on Pentecost, God’s coming is all spectacle: howling winds, rattling walls, untamable fire, instant fluency in foreign languages. But when we look more closely at both comings, we see this: no matter the form, God’s coming has one purpose. God commands Elijah(albeit gently) to go back to the place he is running away from. On Pentecost, God catapults the disciples out into the streets where, filled with God‘s Spirit, they proclaim the gospel – like partygoers tipsy from new wine. (their message was new wine!) in short, God comes to tell us to go.

God whispers: ‘Go give her a hand.’ God nags, ‘Go and say you’re sorry.’ God shouts, ‘Go and do some thing about that!’ God shakes up our normal life, all in an effort to get us to go and love… Go and give… Go and do that hard thing… Go and listen… Go and play… Go and pray… Go to a deeper level of trust in me… Go because I am with you. Always.” Sr. Melannie Svoboda

Today is the feast of Pentecost. My mother always had a great devotion to the Holy Spirit. She loved Pentecost. Let us listen to God spirit within us today and every day.

“ because you loved me before the foundation of the world.”  John 17:24

We are children of God, and God loved us long before we were born. I imagine God whispering to us just before we opened our eyes, ‘All that you will find easy, and all that you will find to be a burden and difficult, will all work together for your good because you are mine. You are a manifestation of my love. I have loved you from the beginning. I know you by name. Trust me to guide your path. Take courage.’

As Jesus prayed for us, loved us and hoped for us to be one with him in God‘s love, each day we can lift our eyes in prayer and remember that God‘s love for us began long before this minute; it began before the foundation of the world.”  – Vivien Amu

Take some time just to reflect on how much God really loves each one of us. No matter what difficulties we are going through, remember that God is there with us. Sometimes it is easier said than done. We need to trust that God is present with us and loves us more than we can imagine.

“A good laugh provides a cathartic release, a cleansing of emotions, and a release of emotional tension. Even after the laughter has ended, body tensions continue to decrease. So the next time you’re feeling sad or stressed, flash a big smile or give a hearty laugh. There’s a lot of truth in the old adage,’ those who laugh…last.”

There have been studies now that show laughter is the best medicine.

With all the heaviness in the world, I’m thinking many people are forgetting about the lighter things in life. Take time to smile. God‘s love radiates through that smile.

“Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.

Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the council of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a whole some discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe no less than the tree in the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be.

And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.

With all its charm, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy”- Max Ehrmann

On a group tour to Jerusalem, we visited the Mount of Olives from where Jesus had ascended. We noted the hilly landscape, but most just gazed at the sky beyond the misty-veiled clouds trying to envision that vivid celestial event. After Jesus rose from the dead, he spent forty more days on earth before ascending. These forty days were in direct contrast to another forty days he had spent in the desert, to prepare his public ministry and, eventually, face his horrendous crucifixion. Conquering pain and death Jesus changed from being victim to victor. In his forty closing days on earth, we can sense his contented frame of mind (surprising his friend that he is alive!), wishing peace to all, displaying his scars and relaxing to prepare breakfast on the beach before his heavenly homecoming.

Jesus, Savior, lead us to the Father’s house.” Fr. James McKarns

Today, we celebrate the feast of the Ascension.  Jesus spent forty days after his resurrection with his apostles, disciples, and friends. we are so fortunate that we are given the spirit of Jesus in our hearts. Let us remember that Jesus walks with us every day of our lives.