Before I knew it, he was standing directly in front of me looking straight into my eyes and extending his hand which I took in amazement. How did I-- and several of my classmates-- get such close access to the Holy Father? Our seminary rector had called ahead to a friend that worked in the Vatican and made sure we got front row seats. In other words, our rector "had connections" with the right people who could make it happen. While the rector of the North American College had connections, he's got nothing on Jesus! Now HERE'S someone with connections!

On this Feast of the Ascension of our Lord into heaven, we go beyond celebrating Christ's resurrection to celebrating that he reigns "far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come" (Ephesians 1:21). So, let us not be afraid to go where Christ sends us. Nor let us fear allowing his purpose for our lives and his vision for our parish to unfold. Today's Feast proclaims, "God's got your back ~ and your front and sides as well!" For, not only do we have in Christ "a friend in a high place." We have the BEST friend in the HIGHEST place!