The following homily was given at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Olathe, KS

Right on the top of the parish web site for St. Paul’s are three big words: “Inspire. Educate. Evangelize.” These three words fit nicely with the celebration of the Lord’s Ascension which we celebrate today. First, this day is meant to inspire us. Heave is for real…and our lives are meant to be ordered toward this final end. Secondly, today is a chance to be educated and educate others about what heaven really is. It’s not a cookie for good behavior at the end of life. Heaven is about a relationship…one that starts now. If what we want most of all with our life is God, then we’ll have him for all eternity. If we prefer ourselves and “our way” more than God, then we’ll have that for all eternity. This we call hell. Finally, when we’ve found this relationship with God, we have to go share it. That’s what evangelization is all about. When we’re inspired and educated, then we are sent. Jesus has given us the power. Let’s go spread the good news.