In today's gospel the risen Christ ascends into heaven. His followers are assured that the Spirit will empower them to be witnesses throughout the earth. We, too, long for the Spirit to enliven our faith and mission.
Helena, mother of Constantine, died around 330 Monday, May 21
Influenced by her son to become Christian, Helena (or Helen) lived an exemplary life of faith. She is also remembered for traveling through Palestine building churches on the sites she believed to be associated with Christ's life.
This Sunday, the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, Jesus teaches us to pray. We do not pray to bargain or win over a reluctant God, but to appeal to the very mercy and grace God has promised to us in Christ Jesus.