May 24,  2020

MAKING 

AN  IMPRESSION 

INTRODUCTION

The title of my homily for this feast of the Ascension is, “Making an Impression.”

Jesus came into our world – he walked into our rooms – he came through our walls – he left – but he left an impression.

OPENING STORY

Let me begin with a scene.

It was her moment. The little girl was  ready to steal the show – but she was too young to know all this.

It was also their moment - the whole crowd – the audience – the nursing home community -  who were about to receive communion - to receive their gift – from this beautiful little girl.

The little girl had on a beautiful white dress. It was her first communion dress – which she wasn’t to use this year – because of the Virus.

She was about to make first communion with old people in a nursing home. Yes: a nursing home.  They were all at least 10 feet apart – all with masks – which several had no clue –  what this was on their face  for– and they were fidgeting with them.

The little girl waited in the wings outside the large recreation room.

Then on signal, on cue, she walked into the room that was filled with all the nursing home residents – in a semi-circle – facing center front.

Her white socks – white shoes -  white dress - white latex gloves - were perfect for the scene. The white and red tile floor had  just been cleaned and waxed and was sparkling for the occasion.

Her smile, her face, her hair perfect, were  about to open up the consciousness doors of all the old people, in their chairs, with their walkers – in this recreation hall.

It was the first public gathering in about 3 months. The state had opened up a bit – but CDC guidelines were very much being practiced.

This was a nursing home – and they were having a tough, time in this time of Corona 19.  Fortunately, this nursing home did not have any deaths or people testing positive for having the virus.

Three nurses – also in white – also in gloves – also with  masks – also with smiles in their eyes – came in following the little girl – pushing silver stainless steel carts that carried 45 red roses – defanged of thorns on their long stems – with bandaids – for where the thorns were.  One nurse thought that would be a neat touch

This was to be a very careful communion procession and procedure.

The little girl gave each old person a single red rose – and a smile – and just two words, “For you!”

And most of the old folks said just two words back, “Thank you!” – even a few who hadn’t said a word since last month – in April.

Nobody had arthritis or dementia of the smile.

Tears appeared everywhere. Eyes danced around the room.

All were young again.

That little girl made some impression!

That little girl in her white dress had a wonderful First Communion ceremony this day.

TODAY’S  READINGS

There are several scripture texts that come to mind for this feast of the Ascension.

The one I like is: “Unless you become like little children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Unless you become like little children, you shall not make an impression of the crowd.

Unless you become little children – you won’t get Christmas – and why God sent his only Son into our world as a child.

In today’s readings one basic message is the call of Christians to be Christ’s witnesses

Our call is to get moving, stop staring into space, shake it – and start spreading the Good News – that Jesus is with us.

You got the power! You got the Spirit! Use it. Live it.

This is what a Lover of God – Theos – Philos – does – as we hear in the Acts of the Apostles.

Our job is to restore the Kingdom each day – till the ends of the earth.

This is what Paul told the Ephesians and ever audience he could reach.

This is the message he preaches in today’s second reading from Ephesians.

This is the New Testament insight that Christ impressed on all of us.

We have this insight, this innermost vision. How great our hope is. This is our heritage. We’re in the will. We have the strength, power, the fullness of him who fills the universe in its parts.

In today’s from Mathew 28:  16-20, we’re allowed to have doubts - but when Christ comes to us our doubts can disappear.

CONCLUSION

The title and theme of my homily for today -  the feast of the ascension is, “Making an Impression.”

When we give out roses, when we give out daily bread, when we give out love, we make an impression.

We put a dent in disregard.

We impress others by our love – especially those who feel forgotten – like folks in a nursing home.

Be like that little girl in my opening story.

Make a good impression.