The Ascension and Providence

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Today we celebrate the Feast of the Ascension

Jesus ascended into heaven so that He could descend into our soul. By faith and baptism Jesus now lives in you and He will take care of you by His Providence. In fact, Divine Providence never lets down anyone who places their trust in it.

Catherine of Siena trusted deeply in God’s Providence. When she was living in Rome toward the end of her life, she loved to give hospitality and give a place to stay and food to any pilgrims who came to Rome. It was not uncommon to have 15 to 30 guests staying in her home. Catherine put one person in charge each week for arranging the food needed for the pilgrims. One week in particular Giovanna di Capo didn’t pay enough attention to details and suddenly there was almost no bread left – bread being the main source of their daily nourishment. Giovanna, with great embarrassment and apology told Catherine who immediately directed everyone in the house to get ready for supper. Then Catherine went off to pray.

Giovanna brought out all the bread that was left, enough for 2-3 people and set it before 30. Everyone thought if they were lucky they would get one small bite. But to everyone’s astonishment, they all ate as much as they wanted and the bread kept increasing.

Finally, someone asked where Catherine was and what she was doing. Well, she was praying – thanking God ahead of time for providing bread for his children, and He, seeing the trust of Catherine in His providence, provided more than they needed.

So even when we make mistakes – God can still provide.

A.  The more we thank God for everything

B.  The more we seek to love Him by doing His will,

a.       the more we will experience His providential care.