May 20, 2012
Ascension of the Lord
American Revivalism was one of the great religious movements that swept the country in waves after the Civil War. Its attention to personal spirituality and regular prayer is to be lauded. Many thousands were energized to accept the message of Christ through vibrant preaching and public altar calls. Like any great religious movement, the core was solid, but on its fringes one could see the fallacies that developed from exaggerated expectations.
One of the strangest developments came from the literal reading of today's Gospel. In this later addition to the end of Mark, Jesus is quoted as describing the signs that will accompany believers: "They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them." In their enthusiasm to show the strength of their faith, some preachers actually attempted these things, often with fatal results.
As we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord this day, we can see the signs that Jesus talks about actually happening. It's just that they occur in very ordinary, everyday ways. Consider the hospitals and medical services that Christians have provided through the centuries. In them, so many of the sick recover. Think of the comfort offered by groups like Catholic Charities that provide counseling services to so many. Through them, the demons of despair and depression are cast out. Through schools and universities, Christians have educated the young and provided opportunities for higher learning. Yes, in them people learned to speak new languages.
We don't need dramatic signs to attest to the strength of our faith. The words of Mark's Gospel are being accomplished every day in every corner of
the world. "They went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked
with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs." The Lord is
indeed at work in all that Christians are doing to heal, and teach, and care
for those in need.
All Saints Catholic Church is an active community
of approximately 1,400 families located in Rossford,
Ohio. Once two separate communities of faith, Ss. Cyril & Methodius and St. Mary Magdalene, the two churches were combined
in 1990.
As Christian stewards, we believe that our time, talent and
treasure are gifts from God to be used for the spiritual,
educational and social needs of our community, diocese and
the world at large.
Members of All Saints Catholic Church
enjoy an active parish life. We welcome your visit to our Web
site and encourage you to share in the fellowship and worship
of our Christian community.
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