Once again Congratulations to all of our graduates! We are proud of each and every one of you. Congratulations to all who are continuing on in school both teachers and students.
Today we celebrate Pentecost, the birthday of the Church. Our first reading from Acts tells us of the spectacular way the Holy Spirit came upon the Church with wind, noise and fire. The event started off as spiritual for the disciples as the Holy Spirit descended upon them to nudge them to start the Church. The event was so different that it brought people from all over Jerusalem to see what was going on. These people were Jews from all over in town for a religious celebration. Little did they suspect such a great manifestation from God. The Holy Spirit inspired the disciples to speak and even though the disciples were just Galileans, the people gathered from all over heard them speaking in their on languages about the wonders of God. The Church was born and reaching out to the world.
In today’s Gospel St. John tells us on Easter night: “The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.’”
Our second reading today tells us: “no one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit.” It then goes on to talk about the “different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.” We are the body of Christ following our head, Jesus, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
The Easter Season ends today with Pentecost and Ordinary Time begins tomorrow When the Church honors Mary as the Mother of the Church. On Tuesday, the Church honors St. Barnabas, Apostle.
The Church honors another popular saint on the 13th, St. Anthony of Padua. He is the patron of lost articles. Lots of keys are found through his intersession.
Let us continue to pray for peace in the world. Let us also pray for vocations to the church. Let us pray for the sick of the parish. Let us pray that all will come to respect life. Let us pray for one another and for the canonization of Father Tolton. Let us also pray for those who are victims of sexual abuse and mass shootings.
A Father Tolton Prayer:Father in Heaven, Father Tolton’s suffering service sheds light upon our sorrows; we see them through the prism of your Son’s passion and death. If it be your Will, O God, glorify your servant Father Tolton, by granting the favor I now request through his intercession (mention your request) so that all may know the goodness of this priest whose memory looms large in the Church he loved. Complete what you have begun in us that we might work for the fulfillment of your kingdom. Not to us the glory, but glory to you O God, through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord; Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are our God, living and reigning forever and ever. Amen.