The Ascension of the Lord, Year A
In our reading, Jesus prepares the disciples for when he leaves to go to heaven. He reminds them that he will send them the Holy Spirit to help them with spreading the word of God.
In our gospel, Jesus sends the disciples to every part of the world. With the help of the Holy Spirit, they will let all people know of God's love.
Special Saint/Feast Day –St. Joan of Arc – May 30th
Joan was born in 1412 in a little village in France. Her father was a hardworking farmer and her mother was gentle and loving. She taught Joan many practical things like sewing and spinning. Joan loved to pray, especially at the shrines of our Blessed Mother.
One day while Joan was watching her sheep, St. Michael the Archangel came to her and told her, “Daughter of God, go save France!” For 3 years she heard voices of saints calling her to action. When she was 16 years old, she began her mission.
At that time, France and England were at war – the Hundred Years’ War. England won so much French land that the king of England called himself the king of France, too. The real French king was weak and selfish. He thought that the French armies would never be able to save the country.
Many priests and experts examined Joan to make sure that she was really seeing visions of the saints and that her special mission was true. She was then given permission to lead an army into the French city of Orleans which England had almost captured.
Joan wore white, shining armour and carried a banner above her with the names of JESUS and MARY on it. Joan was wounded by an arrow in this battle but she continued to encourage her men to fight. They finally won! Joan and her army continued to win more battles and the English armies had to retreat.
After these victories, Joan was captured and sold to the British where she was put in prison and falsely charged with witchcraft and more. The French king did not try to save her. After an unfair trial, she was burned at the stake on May 29, 1431 at only 19 years old. The last word on her lips was “Jesus”.
St. Joan was asked by God to accomplish a very difficult, nearly impossible task. She trusted God and did what he asked. When we have to do something hard, we can ask St. Joan to help us.