Standing Up in the Spirit

Standing when our name is called. A standing ovation.  Standing to welcome. "Standing together.” Standing to pray. “Standing-up” for someone or for a cause. Standing in memory this Memorial Day of those who have given their lives for our country.

At the three Confirmation Masses in our parishes over the past two weeks, I called each candidate by name to stand and be presented for this sacrament in which they receive powerful gifts of the Holy Spirit. Auxiliary Bishop Arthur Kennedy began his homily by reminding us that this simple gesture of standing (literally or figuratively) is itself a powerful sign. Standing is a sign of respect, a willingness to step forth and present ourselves for something.  When we “stand for” something and especially when we
“stand together”, we are saying we are willing to put ourselves, our efforts, and our reputation behind a cause and each other. Eighty of our youth stood up to be Confirmed in their faith and their openness to the Holy Spirit strengthening and empowering them. This is a blessing for them, their families, and our collaborative parishes!

Last weekend and this, we are showing respect for our parish deacons, especially Deacon Ken as we honor his 40th anniversary of ordination and Deacon Jim as he receives his Masters of Theological Studies. All three of our Deacons persevered through studies before ordination (as Tom Hines of St. Martha Parish is now pursuing), and
Deacon Jim now joins Deacon Joe in pursuing additional studies to achieve their degree and further infuse the ministry they do. As we give thanks to God for Deacon Ken’s
dedicated, prayer-filled ministry over an exceptionally long period of time, there were spontaneous standing ovations at various Masses by many grateful parishioners and fellow ministers - a very touching sign of appreciation and of our love for him!

At Mass each Sunday we stand for the Gospel, the presence of the Word of God himself, and we stand again for the Creed - the central articles of the faith “for which
we stand”. The next time we stand is at the priest’s invitation to “Pray, my brothers and sisters, that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.” Our
Pastoral Council pointed out some time ago that our two parishes stand at slightly different times - either at the beginning or the end of this invitation. While either is appropriate, to help us “stand together” I have decided our collaborative will all adopt the timing used at St. Martha and stand as soon as the priest begins the invitation. This is
important so that, when we worship together as a collaborative or visit our sister church, no one feels embarrassed by standing earlier or left-out by standing later, but we
stand united together in prayer. 

May we come together this Thursday, May 30 to celebrate the Ascension of the Lord and begin the most ancient novena of prayer for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit
anew in our lives at Pentecost!