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 Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost, we recognize that God has invited us to a place at His banquet and called us to make the church an inviting place of humility and love.