This weekend we are celebrating the Ascension of the Lord. Jesus has died, risen, and is now taken up to heaven. These are all transforming moments. When Jesus died, it appeared to them that it was an end. Yet when he rose from the dead, there was a NEW understanding and joy. Now as He ascends, there is an unknowing, until the Holy Spirit comes upon them at Pentecost. It is then that the church has it’s beginning. When we allow ourselves to be a part of his death and resurrections, we to can receive that Holy Spirit.

I am always touched and humbled by my dear friend Anonymous. Anonymous has written some of the most amazing things. At one of my previous placements, every week for 15 weeks, Anonymous gave $1,000 to our roof fund. We were able to put a new steal roof on that church and they will never have to roof it again. All in great part to the generosity of Anonymous.

I announced a few weeks ago that Anonymous gave $1,000 to the parking lot. Well, we heard from Anonymous again!! There are a group of men who get together and mow the lawns around the church and cemetery. There has been talk about needing a new mower for the church. On Monday of this last week, Anonymous had a brand new riding mower delivered to St. Luke’s. Anonymous, I am truly grateful!! May the Lord Bless you and keep you.
This weekend we are also celebrating Mother’s Day. We should always celebrate our mothers. They gave us life. I would like to wish all Mothers a Blessed Mother’s Day. Please take some time with your mom today and tell her how much you love her. If you are like me and your mother has gone to be with the Lord, I would invite you to think about her today. It will be 5 years this Friday I lost Mom. I have a small sign in my garden that was made for me 5 years ago, “The DeLores Backer Memorial Garden” Whenever I spend time in my garden, I think of mom. I wonder what she would think about all I have done? Would she be proud of me? For most of my life, things were not really REAL, until I shared them with mom. When something wonderful would happen, I would call to tell mom about it. Something tragic would happen, I would call mom for prayers. There is something special about “Mom”.

I will never forget when I was celebrating my mother’s funeral Mass. At the end of the homily, I walked down to the casket and said, “You may or may not know, but my mother collected angels. There is something I have come to realize in the last few days. You can only keep an angel on this earth so long, before she has to go HOME. Welcome home mom.” I then leaned over and kissed the casket.

Blessings to all Mothers

Fr Backer