Just A Thought Or Two . . .
Welcome to a Birthday Party with Lots of Gifts
Attention Please!!! An amazing invitation is currently being delivered. Pentecost, the birthday of the Church, will be celebrated on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. All grades are hosting this last school Mass of the 2013-2014 school year. It seems hard to believe that 50 days ago we were celebrating the Resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
The past few weeks have not been easy. Employment issues, budget deficits, wars across the globe, and health care continue to take our time and attention. We are truly ready for some good news. It is time for a glorious birthday party.
Pentecost is a feast of hope. God, through the presence of the Holy Spirit, is working among us. Yes, the Holy Spirit works miracles. Look at the Apostles. Before Pentecost they were just a group of men following their leader around the countryside. They couldn’t stay awake with Jesus in the garden, deserted Him when the soldiers arrived, and even denied knowing their best friend. The coming of the Holy Spirit united the Apostles with a sense of purpose and mission. God poured out His presence and the Apostles became a church.
Soon we will say good-bye to the 2013-2014 school year. We are in a time of transition as routines find new structures. It is tempting to surrender to the sunny, warm days of summer. The liturgical calendar tells us that after Pentecost, we are back to “Ordinary Time.” Time to put up our feet and relax.
The Holy Spirit has other plans. While we will be in a long stretch of “Ordinary Time,” the Church stresses stewardship, works of mercy, and vocations. It is time to share the Gospel with others. We are called to share our faith, our mission, our ministry with the world. WHAT? We are heading into lazy summer days. Our response is not exactly overwhelmingly enthusiastic.
The Holy Spirit gently tells us, “Come to the party. You don’t need to bring a present. As a matter of fact, I have special gifts to share with you.” And so our Pentecost prayer becomes:
Holy Spirit, we thank You for the gift of Wisdom. May we direct our lives to the honor and glory of God.
Holy Spirit, we thank You for the gift of Understanding. May we know our faith more clearly. Enlighten our minds with the light of Your truth.
Holy Spirit, we thank You for the gift of Counsel. May we learn to make good decisions and seek ways to do Your will.
Holy Spirit, we thank You for the gift of Fortitude. May we seek the strength to accept our ministry with courage.
Holy Spirit, we thank You for the gift of Knowledge. May we learn to know Your great love. May we discover Your will and grow in holiness.
Holy Spirit, we thank You for the gift of Piety. May we live the commandments because God loves us so much.
Holy Spirit, we thank You for the gift of Fear of the Lord. May we be filled with a loving reverence towards You. May we avoid sin and always seek to do Your will.
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit will serve us well as we navigate complicated lives and amazing summer adventures.
Please come and pray with us: School-hosted Sunday Mass, Pentecost, June 8. At 10:30, a.m.