Happy Ascension Thursday! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell discuss the relationship between this feast and the upcoming feast of Pentecost. Guests include Rita Heikenfeld with gardening tips from the Bible, Gary Michuta with more Messianic prophecies from the Old Testament, and pastoral counselor Kevin Prendergast to discuss how artificial intelligence is affecting mental health treatment. Plus news, weather, sports, and more…

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Ascension Prayer

Jesus, I honor You on the feast of Your Ascension into heaven. I rejoice with all my heart at the glory into which You entered to reign as King of heaven and earth. When the struggle of this life is over, give me the grace to share Your joy and triumph in heaven for all eternity.

I believe that You entered into Your glorious Kingdom to prepare a place for me, for You promised to come again to take me to Yourself. Grant that I may seek only the joys of Your friendship and love, so that I may deserve to be united with You in heaven.

In the hour of my own homecoming, when I appear before Your Father to give an account of my life on earth, have mercy on me.

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RECIPES FROM RITA: Tomato Basil Bruschetta 

• 3 cups cherry tomatoes diced or quartered
• ⅓ cup basil leaves finely chopped – a handful
• ¼ cup olive oil divided
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 French baguette
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, add 3 cups diced cherry tomatoes, ⅓ cup finely chopped basil leaves, 2 tablespoons olive oil, ¼ teaspoon salt. Mix everything and set aside.
2. Slice the baguette. Brush both sides with the remaining olive oil.
3. Broil for about 1-2 minutes on each side or until your get a golden/brown crust. 
4. Top the baguette slices with tomato/basil mixture and balsamic drizzle.

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Fr. Tad Pacholczyk is online at ncbcenter.org.

Clare Ann Ath’s article on the benefits of playing outside can be found here.

Full list of guests