Notes from the Pastor Fr. Scott Morgan: Bulletin Greeting – May 17, 2026 (Ascension)

I once heard a homily in which the priest began by talking about the importance of one's chair. In reflecting on that homily, I believe the priest is on to something. For us, especially those of us who are creatures of habit, myself included, place is important. We often find ourselves sitting in the same place each week at Mass; my family and I each have our particular place around the dinner table, perhaps you have a chair or a spot on the couch in which you sit, and no one else dare sit there. Place is important for us; we prefer things to be in their proper place, which brings order to our lives.

Today we find ourselves at the pinnacle of the Paschal Mystery: Christ crucified, buried, risen from the dead, and now ascended into Heaven where He reigns victorious over sin and death and is seated at the right hand of the Father. The Ascension of the Lord is yet another reminder of the importance of place, and the right ordering that Christ brings to our world.

St. Luke, in the Acts of the Apostles records that Jesus, after having conversed with the apostles, "Was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight." This great feast is not simply about Christ's place, but also points to our place, as children of God. That we may live a rightly ordered life, where everything is in its proper place, we must follow the example given to us through the Apostles, committing ourselves to prayer, faithful celebration of the Eucharist and a life spent in the company of Mary.

Whether you sit in the same place at the dinner table, or have your place in the pews at church, the only place that truly has a lasting affect is Jesus Christ the Lord being given his proper place as Lord and King in our lives.

As we make our way to the celebration of Pentecost, let us make it our prayer that Christ would have his proper place in our life, so that filled with the Holy Spirit we would continue to give joyful witness to the Lord's resurrection.

Fr. Scott Morgan