17/05/2026
‘Why are you men from Galilee standing here looking into the sky?’
This line taken from the First Chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, depicts the dramatic departure of the Lord, and his
followers finding themselves standing in that eerie space marking the gap between presence and absence.
The disciples hadn’t fully understood his mission; they asked ‘Lord, has the time come? Are you going to restore the
kingdom to Israel?’ They were hoping that Jesus would be a political powerhouse, restoring Israel to a position free from Roman rule. Jesus remains confident that they will come to understand his mission when he leaves them:
“but, you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and then you will be my witnesses
not only in Jerusalem but throughout Judaea and Samaria, and indeed to the ends of the earth”
Then we read that “As he said this, he was lifted up while they looked on, and a cloud took him from their sight” They were still staring into the sky when suddenly two men in white were standing near them and they said,
“Why are you men from Galilee standing here looking into the sky? Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven, this same Jesus will
come back in the same way as you have seen him go there.”
This unusual scene could be equated nowadays with a person being propelled into the skies aided by some elaborated technological device. Bearing in mind that the passage of scripture was written in the region of 50 years after the event, and described with such brevity in Acts, what we can say for certain, and perhaps comprehend, is that there was a moment when Jesus was no longer visibly / physically present to them.
They were now on their own for the first time, and the question is, how would they respond, how would they cope?
The circumstance in which they find themselves is no different from what we experience in our own lives, when a partner, a family member or a friend dies. The same experience might be felt as well when a member of family leaves home for the first time. Could it apply as well when a person unfortunately loses a body part, be it sight, walk, or hearing.
We’re faced with a hollow feeling, sensing absence and loss. What do we do now? How do I cope and how do I go on living? Consciously or unconsciously, we come to a crossroads. Do I allow despair, pity take hold indefinitely; do I grieve inwardly about my loss and let that define the rest of my life. Or, mindful that there is a time to grieve, do I dig deep into whatever resources reside within me, in order to plot a new way of being. Is it not the case, that when we lose someone, or even lose a body part, there is indeed a time for grieving, but then, hopefully by degrees, we discover that there is a new way of coping and living.
We see extraordinary examples, of individuals, who suffer debilitating injuries, and find, with the help of friends or family, that, in time, they can compete to the highest level; in sport, climb mountains, compete in Paralympics, and enjoy a quality
of life that is transformative. People who lose sight, develop an acute sense of hearing and / or smell, which can lead them to a wisdom and a perspective on life that is profound.
The followers of Christ, found themselves moving from what might be classed as a regular-lifestyles, fishing, farming etc, to embracing a more public ministry, preaching without fear, healing, leading to public recognition from both authority figures and people on the street. The apostles came to understand finally the purpose and mission of Christ. They came to realise
that they were to continue on that task in response to his command:
“Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations; baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you.
‘And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.”
They came to an awareness of the presence of God’s Spirit in them, as we will be reminded next Sunday, Pentecost.
Ron Rolheiser writes: The mystery of saying goodbye is really the mystery of the Ascension, the most under-understood mystery both inside and outside of religion. The Ascension is about going away so that our loved ones can fully receive our spirit. It's about the mystery of saying goodbye, when goodbye isn't really goodbye at all, but only love's way of taking on a
different modality so that it can be present in a way that's deeper, purer, more permanent, less-clinging, and less-limited by the tensions, disappointments, inadequacies, wounds, and betrayals that, this side of eternity, forever make our intimacy a
work in progress.’
Communion/ Confirmation:
Last Friday, Bishop Michael, in his homily greeted the young people and their families quoting the opening lines from the anthem of a famous soccer club. He acknowledged in advance that he was taking a chance in doing so, because supporters of other teams might see ‘red’, but, taking into consideration the risk, he proceeded to read the lyrics:
When you walk through a storm,
hold your head up high
And don't be afraid of the dark
ending with the lines…
Walk on, walk on
With hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone
You'll never walk alone.
Congratulation to the young people, your families, and schools for making the Confirmation ceremonies such a prayerful and proud occasion. It was a day indeed to confirm the young people in what they have become. Let us pray that they, along with the children who received Communion for the first time, this Saturday and the children who will receive Communion the following Saturday, will grow in their awareness of God with them as a support and guide.
Fr. Michael
https://barnafurboparish.ie/index.php/weekly-duilleog-newsletter/
CHY3 RENEWAL FORMS Sincere thanks to all our parishioners for the generous financial support, through the various
collections, for the Church and Priest. As you may know the Parish can also greatly benefit financially through the Tax Rebate Scheme available to Charities by means of completion of the CHY3 forms. The Finance Act 2001 introduced the scheme of
“Tax Relief for donations to Charities and eligible bodies”. Since then, most Charities have been advising donors about the extra benefits. As a Charity, all parishes in our Diocese are entitled to avail of this scheme. e.g. Through the scheme an annual contribution of:
€250 will accrue an additional €112.00 back to the parish
€500 “ “ “ “ €224.00 back to the parish… etc…
For the parishioners who have already joined the scheme, we are presently sending out CHY3 forms requesting you to renew your support by completion of the forms. Please note a CHY3 form is signed once every 5 years.
All Self-Assessed and P.A.Y.E. workers (also retired parishioners) are eligible to complete a CHY3 Form who contribute €250 or more to the Church in a calendar year by means of: Weekly Offertory envelopes, Once Yearly Donations, Dues Envelopes
(Christmas, Easter, and Autumn), Standing Orders, Direct Debits and amounts enclosed with the Dead Lists in November.
NB This scheme does not interfere with your own personal tax claims.
If you have not already been involved in the Scheme, please collect a CHY3 form available from the office. (When completed please return the completed form to the Parish Office). Once again, I thank you sincerely for your continued support.
Le dhea ghuí, Fr. Michael
NATIONAL PILGRIMAGE FOR LIFE: Saturday 20th June - Join the National Pilgrimage for Life at Knock Shrine to pray for the protection of all human life. *2.30pm Anointing of the Sick *3pm Mass; *Rosary Procession after Mass.
LOUGH DERG 2026 Pilgrimage Season – Please see Notice on Notice Boards re dates and accommodation.
PRAYER FOR LIFE NOVENA – 23rd May to 31st May. Join the 9-day Novena on line: www.prayforlife.ie. Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life in Ireland.
CLEARING THE KITCHEN TABLE Music by Carmel Kelly and Poetry by Abby McGovern. Sunday 24th May at 1.30pm in the Mick Lally Theatre, Druids Lane, Galway. (duration 1 hour).
