The Youth Center will be closed on Wednesday, May 31st. Your Youth Ministers will be at the Ayala and Chino Hills High Graduation Ceremonies! Congratulations to the Class of 2017!
Jesus returned to the right hand of the Father, not to leave us but to lead us all the way to heaven. The great paradox is because he has ascended, he is able to remain with us in a profound new way.
In today’s Gospel, a passage known as the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus in John 17, Jesus talks about the work the Father gave him to do. We might ask, “Exactly what is his work?” And many Christians probably would answer, “Dying on the Cross for the salvation of humanity.” But as we unpack this reading, it becomes apparent that Jesus had something more in mind.
While our salvation was won by Jesus’s Death, our lives in Christ are not completely fulfilled until we receive the Advocate, the Spirit of truth, that Jesus promised to send us. That Spirit of truth is the Third Person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit. It is only through the Spirit that we are able to enter into the fullness of communion with the Father and the Son and embrace the Good News of the Gospel in our daily lives.
Most of us have been either literally or figuratively lost at some time, not knowing which way to go, and feeling a surge of fear and panic. The Apostles in today’s Gospel were feeling lost, because Jesus had just told them he was going to leave them in order to be crucified and die. Thomas said what must have been in all their hearts: “We do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” Jesus’s answer might have been confusing. He didn’t give instructions or directions. Instead he told them that he himself was the direction. He said that he was the way, the truth, and the life.
As we celebrate MOTHER’S DAY, I would like to offer this prayer for all mothers: Loving God, bless all mothers with your unconditional love. They are women, who continue to live the values of love, friendship, strength, courage, forgiveness and so much more. Their tears touch the deepest part of everyone; their smiles make everyone’s heart dance. Their kisses cure everything from broken arms to broken hearts. Attune their hearts to listen carefully to your words and respond with love. May they ever follow the example of Mary, and imitate her fidelity, humility and self-giving love. We ask this through your loving Son, the good shepherd, now and forever. Amen.
REGISTRATION HAS BEGUN! In MIGHTY FORTRESS VBS, your child will learn that Jesus is their refuge and strength! They’ll look into the Bible, God’s Holy Word, and God’s promises to be our rock and salvation via games, crafts and FUN!