Sermon for the ascension of Jesus – The Highland County Press

By Fr. Mike ParaniukSt. Mary Catholic ChurchHillsboro

Note: The following is based on Matthew 28:16-20.

On New Years Day during the Tournament of Roses Parade, people were in awe of a beautiful float filled with all types of bright colored tropical flowers. As the float lumbered down the street, the engine suddenly sputtered and quit. The whole parade was held up while mechanics rushed into assess the problem.

Finally, one of them yelled out to the sponsor of the float, We need a can of gas. And who was the sponsor of this float? The Standard Oil & Gas Company! This float, representing one of the biggest gasoline producers in the world, was out of gas.

Sometimes thats what happens to followers of Jesus. All Gods power is available to you, but you doubt. Your faith becomes weak. It sputters and quits like an engine with no gas.

What are the symptoms of a weak faith? You doubt Gods goodness. You question Gods forgiveness. Youre afraid or worried. Youre disappointed and hurt. You dont feel His presence.

This pandemic is a real test of our faith. So how do you strengthen your faith in Jesus?

You must take your doubts to Jesus in prayer. Remember the story of the father agonizing over his possessed son. The evil spirit would convulse him, throw him into fire and water to kill him.

The father begged Jesus to help his son. Jesus told the father, Everything is possible for one who believes. (Mark 9:23) Immediately the boys father exclaimed, I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief! (Mark 9:24) Jesus later explained to the disciples why they could not drive out this spirit. Jesus replied, This kind can come out only by prayer. (Mark 9:29). Ask Jesus daily to send down the Holy Spirit upon you with the power of faith. Keep on asking. Matthew 7:7 says, Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for..

The last words of Jesus before he ascended to Heaven was a command Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations. I have found the best way to bring someone to believe in Jesus is by the witness of your own faith. The witness of faith is more contagious than any virus. You dont have to do anything extraordinary. Faithfully following Jesus in ordinary daily living is all you need. I offer a witness of how faith can spread.

For 27 years, I walked the halls of Cincinnati Childrens Hospital. I prayed daily over sick children. Every day saw me visiting 60 to 80 children in their rooms, asking Jesus to heal them. I was especially moved when I prayed over babies in their medical incubators. I felt their guardian angels watching over them.

I befriended many nurses. One day, a nurse asked me, Father Mike, how can you keep faith in a good God when you see such suffering.

I replied, By the grace of God I keep believing.

She didnt belong to any religious community. She admitted her relationship with Jesus was something she didnt think about. Yet, she liked to see my faith in action when I prayed over her babies.

She remarked to me one day, You really believe in what youre praying for.

I replied, Yes I do. I believe in a good God who looks upon these babies with love.

One day that nurse said to me, I have a surprise for you. Cant tell you yet but youll find out.

I asked her for months, What is it?

She would keep saying, Youll find out.

The day of discovery finally arrived. I was celebrating Mass at the hospital chapel. My nurse friend sat in the back pew. She never attended my service before. I was pleasantly surprised yet puzzled to see her there. I gave out Holy Communion. The last person in line stepped forward. I saw before me my nurse friend with hands outstretched to receive the Communion.

She whispered to me, Surprise. I joined the Catholic Church over Easter.

How elated I was when I congratulated her after Mass.

I asked, What moved you to join the church?

She replied, Just watching you live your faith every day. Your faith brought hope to the suffering. I wanted what you have.

The ordinary daily witness of your faith is the most powerful way to make disciples for Jesus. I always end Mass with the command, The Mass is ended. Go in Peace. Announce the Gospel by your life.

(After her conversion to Jesus, the nurse fell in love and got married. She asked me to bless her womb with children. She conceived quickly and gave birth to twins. She told me, Your blessing worked, but be sure to tone it down a bit.)

When God blesses you, you know you're blessed!

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Sermon for the ascension of Jesus - The Highland County Press