The Ascension and Providence
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Today we celebrate the Feast of the Ascension
At the Last Supper Jesus told the Apostles that after he rises from the dead he would go away. Hearing this, the Apostles are saddened but Jesus assures them that it’s better for him to go, for if he did he would come back to them in an even more intimate way.
Jesus ascended into heaven so that He could descend into our soul. By faith and baptism Jesus now lives in you.
Didn’t he say before He ascended, “I will be with you always.”
Jesus is with you, He is in you and He will take care of you by His Providence.
In fact, Divine Providence never lets down anyone who places their trust in it.
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Romans 8:28 tells us: “We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him.”
Divine Providence means God guides all things for good for those who cooperate with Him.
God is All-Good, All-Wise, and All-Powerful. Nothing can happen unless God wills or allows it.
Yes, we make imperfect and even sinful decisions;
Yes, other people do evil and the innocent suffer;
Yes, bad things happen;
This is all because God has given us freedom we can use well or abuse.
Still, if we love God and want to do His will, then no matter what happens, He will turn all things to the good. For nothing is impossible for God.
So do not worry, do not beat yourself up, do not be consumed by anger or despair. Just do your best and entrust the rest to Him!
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We overcome fear, worry, anger and grow in trust in God’s Providence by thanksgiving!
Thank God for everything!
Thank Him for every little good thing in your life;
Thank Him for everything that appears bad because He turns all to the good;
Thank Him ahead of time for things that are out of your control.
St. Paul tells us “Always be thankful.”
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The Jerusalem Bible translation of Romans 8:28 goes like this: We know that by turning everything to their good God cooperates with all those who love him.
If we want to experience God’s providence, then we must cooperate with him in this way:
● Give yourself totally to God.
o Say “Jesus I am all yours and all that is mine is yours through the hands of Mary.”
o Or “O God come to my assistance, Lord make haste to help me.”
● Ask Him “Lord, what is your will for me?”
● Then read or listen to the Word of God as you are in this Rosary or in spiritual reading.
● Think about what He wants you to do.
● Make the choice, the resolution to do it.
● Leave everything else in the hands of God.
That is how you cooperate with Providence!
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Catherine of Siena and the Miracle of the Loaves
When Catherine of Siena was living in Rome toward the end of her life, she loved to give hospitality and give a place to stay and food to any pilgrims who came to Rome. It was not uncommon to have 15 to 30 guests staying in her home. Catherine put one person in charge each week for arranging the food needed for the pilgrims. One week in particular Giovanna di Capo didn’t pay enough attention to details and suddenly there was almost no bread left – bread being the main source of their daily nourishment. Giovanna, with great embarrassment and apology told Catherine who immediately directed everyone in the house to get ready for supper. Then Catherine went off to pray.
Giovanna brought out all the bread that was left, enough for 2-3 people and set it before 30. Everyone thought if they were lucky they would get one small bite. But to everyone’s astonishment, they all ate as much as they wanted and the bread kept increasing.
Finally, someone asked where Catherine was and what she was doing. Well, she was praying – thanking God ahead of time for providing bread for his children, and He, seeing the trust of Catherine in His providence, provided more than they needed.
So even when we make mistakes – God can still provide.
A. The more we thank God for everything
B. The more we seek to love Him by doing His will,
a. the more we will experience His providential care.
So as your resolution – do these two things and watch what happens!
Novena Prayer for June 5, Pentecost, 2022
Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the
Unborn, we implore your powerful
intercession at this most critical time.
We beseech you, Oh Immaculate Conception, to convert the hearts of the people of the entire world to turn from sins against life and to prepare for the Civilization of Love.
Queen of Heaven,
secure the truth and justice of the U.S. Supreme
Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade so to stand firm and pave the way for Jesus to reign in our hearts.
Now that the Kansas Supreme Court has removed lifesaving protections for the unborn and mothers in crisis, we
humbly beg that you strengthen our efforts to secure an amendment to reverse this decision and defend the sanctity of life in our state. Amen.