Dear Folks,

Today is Pentecost.  It is the great feast of the Holy Spirit, and the birthday of the Church. We read the Pentecost story in Acts chapter 2 and we see the first thing that the new Church does is share the Gospel with others. We see how the Holy Spirit breaks down barrios between people.

Why is it a good thing to be a practicing Catholic Christian?

How would you explain what the Gospel story is in a few minutes? 

How did Jesus get you to where you are now?

Could you do it without using religious language?

What we speak only has power if we are consistent in our lives. When people look at us, they should see “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).” When they look at us, they should see people living an abundant life (John 10:10). They should see us being free (John 8:32), but not using that freedom for license to sin (Galatians 5:13).”

One thing in our favor is that God is in charge, not us. We don’t necessarily have to do the whole task of taking someone on a journey to the kingdom. We might do a small bit of the work of moving someone in that direction.  Sometimes, ever listening patiently is all we are called to do. We look at what we are given. Any encounter with another person is potential territory for sharing a bit of goodness.  Everyone we meet is beloved by God, and we may be able to spark a bit of goodness during the encounter.  

If you have been baptized and if you have been confirmed, you have also been sent. Pentecost is a good time to stop and consider how we have been sent, and how we have responded.

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit, and we shall be created, you shall renew the face of the earth.

Blessings, 
Fr. Jim