Pentecost Sunday
~ Today is the Feast of Pentecost, the fiftieth and final day of the Easter Season, the feast of the Holy Spirit, the birthday of the Church! The message of this feast is beautifully proclaimed in the Pentecost Preface to the Eucharistic Prayer that we hear today: “Bringing the Paschal Mystery to completion, you bestowed the Holy Spirit today on those you made your adopted children by uniting them to your Only Begotten Son.” Yes, today we celebrate that the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is given to each and every one of us, so that we may be the presence of Christ in the world!
Do you believe that the Holy Spirit is present among us? Can you recognize the signs of her presence? To open your minds and hearts and spirits a bit, here’s a few ideas to help you identify the Holy Spirit…
When you have a great idea that just comes to you out of the blue… that’s the Spirit!
When you suddenly “get wind” of something that you should know about and work at… that’s the Spirit!
When you finally understand something that you’ve struggled with… that’s the Spirit!
When you have a feeling of peace, contentment, and serenity… that’s the Spirit!
When you finally do something you’ve been avoiding or find the strength to do something you never thought you could… that’s the Spirit!
When you make beautiful things that please others: a painting, a song, a dance, a meal, a story, a garden… that’s the Spirit!
When you are able to listen to someone well and understand where they are coming from and offer them support… that’s the Spirit!
When you are able to pray with concentration and presence… that’s the Spirit!
When you have the right words at the right moment, or when you recognize it’s best to keep quiet… that’s the Spirit!
When you have the confidence to stand up and speak the truth with courage… that’s the Spirit!
When you defend and stand up for the poor and the powerless… that’s the Spirit!
When you are filled with gratitude and awe at this world we live in and want to care for it… that’s the Spirit!
St. Paul taught us the fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, generosity, gentleness, self-control, modesty, and chastity. Whenever we experience these, we know that the Holy Spirit is present! Yes, the Spirit came to Mary and the Apostles two millennia ago in wind and fire, but the Spirit still comes to us today. We all received the Holy Spirit on the day of our Baptism, and that same Holy Spirit was strengthened in us on the day of our Confirmation. Pray this week that the fruits of the Holy Spirit will be evident among us here at St. Margaret of Scotland!
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Many are away on vacations during the summer months, but we do not have a vacation from faith and discipleship! If you are traveling this summer, I encourage you to keep up with happenings at St. Margaret of Scotland via our website and online bulletin; to continue to support the parish financially, especially through electronic giving; but also to experience and enjoy Mass at other parishes during your travels. May this summertime refresh and renew us all!