Jesus ascending into Heaven marks the end of the final chapter of Jesus’ physical presence here on earth. It also sets the stage that involves you and me. Each of us is called by today’s readings to “do something.”

On this Mother’s Day, I have a warm heart thinking about all of the ways that my Mom taught me to “Don’t just stand there, do something!” My Mom was a rock that weathered many storms because of her strong foundation built on faith. She grew love inside our family and showed us how to share our love with the world outside through her example.

Being a Mom, myself is the best gift of my life! Raising my 3 children in faith and love and seeing them out in the world now making a difference is an extension of the greatest gift I’ve ever received! My daughter, Jamie, is a high school Special Ed teacher who has an amazing ability to love beyond any disability. My son, Willy, is a Philly Firefighter. He passionately walks into danger to protect others from being harmed. My son, Nicky, works with our town where he is humbly grateful to be outside taking care of God’s creations and acting kindly towards everyone around him. And that makes me a joy-filled Mom!

Our 2nd Year Confirmation candidates will gather this week, like the Apostles, on their Antioch Retreat. Then in a few weeks, they’ll be Confirmed to continue the work that the disciples were given, each in their own way to love and serve others. Collectively, they’ve already completed over 1000 hours of community service through OLC in countless ways on their Confirmation journey! I’m expecting amazing things when they take their faith into the world!

We each have God-given opportunities to share our faith and share our experience of the ways that Jesus touches our lives. Jesus is Ascended! Our work to build the Kingdom and give Jesus’ glory continues… I challenge you to “Don’t just stand there, do something!”