Gospel for May 21 2023 – John 17:1-11
Gospel Reflections for May 21 2023
Ascension Wisdom
Everything I need to know in life I learned at SpringFest, our annual parish carnival with rides, food booths, car raffle, and great music.
This matches the wisdom the disciples learned at the Ascension of Our Lord. SpringFest events could have helped them as well!
Our Ferris wheel first takes you all the way to the top. From there you get a spectacular serene and peaceful view for miles around. It would be nice to stay there! But then the wheel turns and brings you back to the ground with all the loud noise of the crowd and bright lights. But then the wheel continues, and you slowly ascend again to that peaceful place at the top. That is the Ferris Wheel rhythm of life.
Therefore, I no longer worry when facing challenges, whether sickness, or work, or even the economy. I know that bad times do not last, the wheel will turn, and good times will come back again. Jesus leaves …but then sends the Holy Spirit.
Nor does my head get too big when everything is going well, because in that rhythm of life, I know I will face challenges again. Our Ferris Wheel can teach a lot!
I know that game booth prizes or the raffle car will not just walk over and place themselves in my hands. I have to “step right up” and try my best at throwing the ball, tossing the ring, or pitching the dime, and of course, buy a ticket for the car and hope for the best.
The good things in life belong to those who get in the game. I may not win the goldfish or stuffed animal, but I will give it my best shot!
I also learn from those who just like to sit at tables and enjoy a meal and refreshments with family and friends. They also “got into the game” in a wonderful way by spending time with people they like, or even people they have just met, and just enjoy the music together.
I have learned the most from the hundreds of volunteers who have worked so hard to create and operate the festival. I have learned to respect and admire their efforts a great deal. We all owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude.
The disciples learned all these same lessons as well in their time. I am glad SpringFest is finally here for us to learn the same wisdom.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
WOW! This message is exactly what I needed to hear! Thank you Fr.
Your are very welcome! I am glad you enjoyed it.
I really like your analogy of comparing life to the Church Carnival . Made me smile and that is good. I remember a homily of yours that I still remember comparing Life to being like a leaf on a tree. Growing up with a view of the surroundings changing colors in a light breeze
Then falling to the ground fully satisfied with your existence.
Somehow that mindset stayed with me over the years and helped in times of stress. To calm my emotions and enjoy the Faith we share. Keep it up Father Dave. You have a gift that keeps on giving. Your vocation is a real Treasure. Thanks!.
I am honored by your kind words. Thank you!
Dear Father Dave,
Wonderful metaphor! Ferris wheel here I come, and I’m afraid of heights!
The apostles were afraid, too, but the Holy Spirit filled them with faith and strength.
If we open our hearts, we will also be filled … perhaps saturated by the Holy Spirit of
courage.
God bless you, always.
Kathleen
Yes, he Holy Spirit is always ready with the courage we need. Well said.
Love your precious words and I agree with Tom, Joyce and Kathleen!!! You are a treasure of Jesus’ love given to us by our loving God with your Holy Spirit,filled, loving words and actions!!!!!!We must get into the action and fill the world with joy and love and as a Ferris wheel ascends and descends spread love and joy whatever crcumstances we are in !!! loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee it and loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee you!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
Thank you!
Oh my gosh !! This Gospel reflection was priceless for me!, Only Father Heney could connect the Spring Festival to a Christian life.. The ups and downs, and especially “ The good things in life belong to those who get in the game” . Beautiful! So true! I loved it. I can’t stop smiling.
Thanks Father.
Mike
Yes, there is much wisdom in the Ferris Wheel!
🎡🪽 Hello Fr. Dave, I enjoyed reading about the ups and downs of life in your reflections.
I think that God loves to raise the fallen, and lower the proud.
God is the center or hub of the wheel, and we are the little children riding up and down it.
Pseudo-Dionysus the Areopagite, said that the class of Angels called Thrones were really wheels, having the name of Gel, which in the Hebrew language signifies revolutions and revelations on the celestial hierarchy.
So, let us all mount the Wheel of Fortune, but on condition that we not become indignant, when the law that presides at God’s Games, demands that we shall descend.
Bon Voyage!
Well said!