Gospel for May 17 2026 – Matthew 28:16-20
Gospel Reflections for May 17 2026
SpringFest Wisdom
Everything I need to know in life I learned at SpringFest, our annual parish EVENT with rides, food booths, and amazing 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 crowd noise 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 raffle prize money 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, buying a raffle ticket 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 in 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 also learned much 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
Father Dave – that was a very good comparison of your spring fest and life. Thank you for those observations.
You are very welcome!
Fr Dave,
You are of master of analogies. This perfectly describes the ups & downs of life., which can be so challenging at times that you want to throw in the towel & give up. But, thankfully, if we don’t give up, God either takes ithe challenge from us or He helps us manage them.
Blessings & Thank You,,
Sherrie.
I am glad that you found the article helpful.
Well said Father. So true and we can all relate to this comparison.
Thank You
You are welcome!
Love your precious analogy! Love the Ferris wheel and love being at the top and when descending I know that with our precious Jesus and our loving faith we will reach the top again!!! Loveeeeeee our precious faith!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
Thank you.