The Feast of the Ascension shows us is that the revelation of Christ in the world, even amidst all of this sorrow, is up to us. The presence of Christ crucified and risen is within each one of us. That’s where God is in all of this. Not waving good bye from above, but generating hope from within us -- hope that we proclaim.

For reflection

• Have you ever held both joy and suffering at the same time? What was that like?

• How do you find hope in God’s call?

• How do you witness both joy and suffering?

• How is God calling you to respond to what’s happening in the world and in your own life right now?

by Sister Leslie Keener, CDP

Sister Leslie Keener, CDP is the director of God Space, a community-building spirituality ministry in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. She’s a Sister of Divine Providence with a Masters in Ministry and a Certificate in Spiritual Direction and Retreats from Creighton University. She directs retreats, meets with people for spiritual direction, and serves as the vocation director for her community. She also serves on the Coordinating Council of Spiritual Directors International. She enjoys music, meaningful conversations, and dancing.

Here are the Scripture readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/052922-ascension.cfm

You can find out more about Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown here: https://brenebrown.com/book/atlas-of-the-heart/

You can listen to the podcast on loss that's referenced here: https://www.npr.org/2022/05/20/1100399174/comprehending-loss

Here's an organization that works to stop gun violence: https://momsdemandaction.org/. Here's how to get in touch with your Representatives: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative, and here's how to get in touch with your Senators: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm