A Moment To Pause: Thursday May 14th 2026

Good morning on this Ascension Thursday and thank you for joining the Oblate family again today for our time of reflection and prayer. Let's begin. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. And let's remember to pray this month for peace as we say the Hail Mary while asking for peace in our countries as we seek the assistance of Our Lady. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Our Lady, Queen of peace, pray for us. Today's gospel is taken from Saint Matthew's Gospel, chapter 28. The remaining apostles at this time, and followers of Jesus, must have been completely in awe as they witness all that Jesus had told them he was going to do for us: die on the cross, rise from the dead, and now go ahead of us to prepare a place in heaven. What's more, as incredible as that sounded to his followers in advance of the events, how much more in awe were they as it unfolded, just as Jesus said it would. Those early days with Jesus, and hearing his words in the gospel remind us that we too have a home with him in heaven as we trust in him and follow his teaching. Let's try to follow that path that he set before us and ask the Holy Spirit to keep us on track now and always. Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Let's ask for the intercession of Our Blessed Lady today again as we seek peace in the world. We also remember all of those who are infirm and housebound at this time, saying, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for them. Thanks again for joining us in our reflection and prayer today. #faith #prayer #persecution #strong #peace #Jesus #religion #Christianity #ascension