St. Matthew Catholic Church

Weekly Message     

His Absence is His Presence

Dear brothers and sisters,   

      On the feast the Ascension of Jesus, may you and your family be blest by the Lord.

     At first glance, it seems like a departure. Jesus goes “up,” and the disciples are left behind. But in truth, this is not an ending, it is a beginning for our life. The Ascension is Not His Absence, but His Presence, a new mode of presence - not limited by time or place; He is present in the Church, the Word, and especially the Eucharist.

     Young people often ask: “What is my purpose?” You are not too young to make a difference; your kindness, honesty, and courage are already part of God’s mission - in school, friendships, and family life - reflecting Christ. Your daily work is part of God’s plan; you evangelize not only with words, but with integrity and love in your work place, home, which are our mission fields.

     Jesus goes up… but He remains with us; We go out… but we are never alone. Therefore, the angel’s words motivate us: “Don’t Just Look Up - Step Forward.” The disciples stopped staring at the sky and began changing the world.

     A teacher spent years shaping her students - teaching not just lessons, but values. One day, she announced she was leaving. The class was heartbroken. “Who will guide us now?” She replied: “If I’ve taught you well, you already know what to do.” After she left, something surprising happened: students became more responsible; helped each other; and lived out what they had learned.

     The Ascension is not Jesus leaving earth, it is Jesus trusting earth, the world, our family to us. Wherever you are in life: discover your mission; live your mission; and complete your mission in hope. It’s Jesus’ wish!  

Blessings!

Msgr. Xavier Pappu
                     Insert:  Giving to God/Dar a Dios.pdf

                                    Please pray for vocations to the priesthood,
                              for the Priests of our Diocese; & for our Bishop.

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