Dear San Pablo Family,
May the Peace of the Risen Lord be with you all!
Today, along with the universal Church, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, a significant historical and faith event for the Christian faith we uphold, as well as a profound mystery.
The Scriptures tell us that Jesus left his disciples to return to the heavenly Father, promising to come back at the end of time. This marked the conclusion of his earthly ministry and the beginning of the Church's ongoing mission. In today’s Gospel, we witness the poignant farewell between Jesus and his disciples. As he prepared to depart from the earth, he offered them parting gifts: the gift of understanding, allowing them to comprehend the meaning of the Scriptures, and the promise of the Holy Spirit. He also gave them his final blessing, assuring them that he would remain with them until the end of time.
The disciples’ reaction reflects a profound transformation. Saint Luke tells us that they returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy, praising and worshiping God. Although the Lord instructed them to be his witnesses from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, he also told them to wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit. The angels assured them that the Lord would return in the same way they had seen him ascend into Heaven.
Though the Ascension of Our Lord took place a long time ago, his parting words remain meaningful and relevant. We are called to courageously fulfill these words, becoming his witnesses in today’s world, just as the first Apostles did. Thus, the Feast of the Ascension is not merely a commemoration of departure; it is a celebration of the living and enduring presence of Jesus among us.
As we begin the month of June, during which we celebrate Father’s Day, we invite all the parishioners to take an envelope and write the names of all the fathers in your family who are living or deceased, for whom we will pray throughout the month. The custom of praying for others is a work of mercy that is beneficial for both those for whom we pray and ourselves. Let us keep praying for one another, especially for all the fathers in our parish community.
As I mentioned this past weekend at all the Masses, I will be visiting Venezuela this month to spend time with my family and address some legal matters. During my absence, three priests from the Archdiocese of Miami will assist at San Pablo with the celebrations of liturgical services and other pastoral needs. Please make them feel welcome and appreciated while they are here. I also ask that you pray for me and know that I will keep your intentions in my prayers.
God bless you,
In Christ,
Father Oscar Perez Dudamel