Pentecost Sunday 2011
Acts 2:1-11
Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34
1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13
John 20:19-23
Most of us think the ability to read a map is important. In fact, 70% of us think it is a necessary skill. What we think is important, and what we learn are two different things. In a survey from a few years ago, it was discovered that one out of seven young adults could not find the United States on a world map. One out of four could not locate the Pacific Ocean. One out of five could not name even one country in Europe. Today is Pentecost. the birthday of the Catholic Church. We are commissioned to carry the teachings and life of Jesus to all the world. Pentecost is the day on which the Holy Spirit was sent by God to guide us to do good and to avoid evil. The Holy Spirit becomes the energizing presence as the church moves outward to the ends of the earth, breaking through geographical and ethnic boundaries.
On the first Pentecost Jews from all over were gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the Jewish feast. On that Sunday, ten days after our Lord's Ascension, the Apostles and the Blessed Virgin Mary were gathered in the Upper Room. Suddenly there came a sound from heaven like the sound of a mighty wind or hurricane, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared on each of their heads something that looked like flames. They later realized that this flame was really the Holy Spirit. Some churches invite being to wear something red when they come to church on Pentecost. That is why I have a red vestment today.
Our first reading also tells us that those in this room were confused because they also heard and understood many who came from throughout the known world who were speaking in their own language. There were at least 15 different languages being spoken.
This special day of Pentecost is also very often referred to as the Birthday of the Catholic Church. It was on this day that the Holy Spirit gave the followers of Jesus the courage to tell others about Jesus, and to invite them to be Baptized. We are told that about 3000 were baptized on this first Pentecost. They then confirmed their faith in Jesus.
As we hear the word of God, we might be tempted to reflect that our community does not exhibit the remarkable gifts of the Spirit described in Acts. But we are unique and the Spirit comes to each of us in different ways. We may have already felt the breath of God; it's just that we don't always call it a "Pentecost" experience. We don't see the tongues of fire, or even feel the mighty wind. But as we know, some things cannot be fully captured by words.
It is this unseen breath of God that keeps our community of faith together and alive; the same Spirit whom we worship as the love between the Father and the Son.
Like the 3000 who were baptized, we too have been called into the community of faith by our Baptism, and then later on we made a choice to live the life of Jesus by our Confirmation. Through these two powerful sacraments we, like the early community, are anointed and chosen.
No matter what our gift or quality it is always an expression of God working through you. Your gift of cooking, speaking, farming, learning, athletics, of teaching, parenting, gardening, of being a lector at Mass, is a way of doing God's work for the good of all. Whatever work you do, no matter what your job brings down to earth the spirit and breath of God. They are for the good of all, so really all that we have been given is to be used for the good of all.
Sometimes parents will advise their children that they have a family name to live up to. We as baptized and confirmed Catholics also have a name to live up to. And that name is that we are followers of Jesus.
We live up to that name when we offer self giving love to others. Most of you have given this self giving love of Jesus and the Holy Spirit in the very ordinary things of your life such as:
When you wake up in the middle of the night to change your baby's diaper.
When you take some time to help a co-worker to get a better grasp of his or her responsibilities.
When you check on a neighbor who has been having a difficult time.
When you spend time helping your child with homework after a long day.
When you volunteer to do or to give of your time or abilities to someone who is in need.
It is not always easy to tell when the voice prompting us is the voice of the Holy Spirit or when it is the voice of selfishness. Often selfishness can have a power that might be likened to the wind, but has a different effect than the Holy Spirit. The best way to figure out if the Holy Spirit is prompting the action is to ask yourself if it is likely to lead to greater joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, and most especially, love. In the last reading today Jesus summed it all up by saying: Peace be with you.
