“The paradox of hospitality is that it wants to create emptiness— a friendly emptiness where strangers can enter and discover themselves as created free; free to sing their own songs, speak their own languages, dance their own dances…” -Henri Nouwen

As I contemplated the longing in my own heart when a loved one leaves, my focus shifted from “Where did Jesus go?” to what was happening in the disciples at the ascension.

Let mystery be an anchor bearable by the soul, granting perspective; and let the paradox of longing become a space for love to grow.

“Between the ground and the feast is where I live now.” -Ada Limón

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This is work in process, part of a collection, “Finding Our Rhythm in the Fullness of Time,” commissioned for Valparaiso University’s Institute of Liturgical Studies gathering in April 2023. More info about that event here – https://www.valpo.edu/institute-of-liturgical-studies/theme/.