This Sunday we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord. Our readings remind me of the importance of praying for the Holy Spirit to guide us on our journey. Jesus through his suffering, death, Resurrection, and Ascension is still with us and in our daily lives. We can rely on him for support and strength in the Body of Christ.

In my life, God has graced me with intelligence, education, perseverance, faith, community, and a direct understanding of physical and emotional suffering. Like many, I have experienced hardship and the testing of my faith in my life. Often, I would ask myself, how did Jesus handle staying true to his work through all the suffering he had gone through?

I had a profound experience of this some years ago. I was in the prime of my life, established in a career that enabled me to help others who had been impacted by communication impairments. I experienced an accident with severe health ramifications, which meant my life was not proceeding as expected. I did not understand why this was happening to me, and my faith was tested. The medical and paramedical professions I sought out for knowledge and physical help were not sure I could return to work. Yet, they said, there is something about you, a “spirit” for trying no matter what. Throughout this experience, from hospitalization, to wheelchair, to assistive devices, to crutches, I turned to prayer. Where did I find this prayer and this “spirit” of perseverance? As a member of St. Basil’s Parish, I reached out to several people in the community. Weekly, with the Basilian priests and fellow parishioners who visited, and through prayer, pain, and Eucharist (received at home until I could return to the parish), I found strength. My journey of recovery took 2 years and although I was different (physically and emotionally), I was able to return to my work of helping others for another 20 years.

What came out of this suffering was more than I could have expected. I grew in wisdom, understanding and became more deeply aware of the mystery of the workings of the Holy Spirit. I grew to love more deeply, and to let God work with me rather than me telling God how to work. I learned trust, hope, and the power of a faith community that supports those in need.

Today, I am graced to keep the movement of the Holy Spirit alive in my life by being an active participant in our parish. I continued to feel my faith grow as I became a lector, communion minister, RCIA sponsor, and children’s catechist. Above all, I appreciate receiving the Eucharist, and am always in awe when I do. My journey is now inspiring me to serve the Sick and Homebound, as I try to share what I received in my time of need. Let us pray that the Spirit will guide and encourage us all to persevere and support one another.

~ Doris Marcon