"Holy Spirit of Truth, You are the Reward of the saints, the Comforter of souls, Light in the darkness, Riches to the poor, Treasure to lovers, Food for the hungry, Comfort to those who are wondering; to sum up, You are the One in whom all treasures are contained.” — St. Mary Magdelene di Pazzi
I recall during my days as hospital chaplain at Mercy (1996-2000), that I was called to the room to anoint a dying brother priest and listen to his confession. He was in his mid-fifties and had been through countless physical trials: a six-by-pass surgery, amputation of both legs, diabetes, kidney failure, dialysis, hearing loss, poor vision, and many other complications. I had visited him many, many times. After listening to his confession and anointing him that day, I asked him, “Is there any regret that you have in your life?” I was struck by his candor and humility when he replied, “I regret that I am not closer to Jesus at this point of my life as I should have been or I could have been.”
He died shortly after and I attended his funeral. His family was ever-so grateful and the following week they came to see me at Mercy and gave me many things from his wardrobe (namely clerical shirts, suits and pants.) They mentioned that I was about the same size as he and would I accept them in his sacred memory. I was touched by this gesture and still to this day, every time I wear a garment of his, feel his gentle spirit with me.
Today, the fiftieth day of Easter, the Church celebrates the feast of Pentecost, the day on which the Holy Spirit, or Paraclete, descended upon the Apostles and Mary. “Paraclete” literally means, “He who is called to one’s side” (Latin, “ad vocatus”). “Advocate” comes from this root and means consoler and healer. Pentecost was originally one of the three great Jewish feasts, one in which the Jews traveled in pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Pentecost (Greek, “the fiftieth day”) also called “Weeks” or “Shavuot” came fifty days after Passover, and celebrated the Spring grain harvest and the offering of the first fruits. Later it became the day of celebration in remembrance of God’s giving of the Law or Torah on Mt. Sinai.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us: “On the day of Pentecost, when the seven weeks of Easter had come to an end, Christ’s Passover is fulfilled in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, manifested, given, and communicated as a divine Person; Of His fullness, Christ, the Lord, pours out the Holy Spirit in abundance” (731). We recall this event in the third glorious mystery, the Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles. Thus Pentecost is the Church’s Birthday; a time of renewal, re-creation and re-commitment to sharing the gifts we have been given for the gift of mission and ministry.
The best way we show our appreciation for the gifts God has given to us is to receive them graciously and to use them generously. If your gift is to sing, then sing. If your gift is to preach, then preach. If your gift is to work with the youth, be a good example. If your gift is to be a missionary, serve the poor. If your gift is computers, make good use of technology. If your gift is to listen, everyone has a story to share. If your gift is to write, share your wisdom. If your gift is to heal, soothe another’s hurt. If your gift is to build, create something beautiful. If your gift is to teach, inspire others. If your gift is to sew, cover another with love. If your gift is to coach, bring out the best in others. If your gift is to pray, be a prayer warrior. If your gift is to forgive, show the importance of letting go. If your gift is to be a friend, give the world a smile. If your gift is to volunteer, serve others joyfully. If your gift is to flip a burger, pour a drink or spin a wheel, serve at our festival!
It is important to discern the gifts that God has given to us and it is important that we don’t stay for any length of time out of our gifted area like a fish out of water. The Catechism tells us, “The Holy Spirit, whom Christ the Head pours out on His members, builds, animates and sanctifies the Church” (747).
It is easy to spot a person who is filled with spirit. School spirit, team spirit, family spirit, work spirit, community spirit, patriotic spirit, etc. — all are examples of acting with passion. As we journey through life our spirits can be extinguished and dampened by darkness and sin. The coals of our devotedness to piety, charity, gentleness, self-control and the fruits of the Holy Spirit, need to be rekindled anew. As followers of Christ, the Lord sends forth the Holy Spirit so that God’s people will be set on fire for Him, and use our gifts and talents for the good of everyone in order to give honor and glory to God.
The embers of our passion must be set aglow through a vital life of prayer, sacrifice and service. The heart of our ministry and mission and message must be the explosive power that the Holy Spirit unites us, heals divisions and curbs our self-centered tendencies to work, to build and to grow as His holy people. Never underestimate the power of the Spirit to breathe new life into our heats and souls!
Come Holy Spirit
Replace the tension within us with a holy relaxation.
Replace the turbulence within us with a sacred calm.
Replace the anxiety with us with a quiet confidence.
Replace the fear within us with a strong faith.
Replace the bitterness within us with the sweetness of grace.
Replace the darkness within us with a gentle light.
Replace the coldness within us with a loving warmth.
Replace the night within us with your day.
Replace the winter within us with your spring.
Straighten our crookedness, fill our emptiness.
Dull the edge of our pride, sharpen the edge of our humility.
Light the fires of your love. Quench the flames of our lust.
Let us see ourselves, as you see us,
That we may see you, as you have promised.
And be fortunate according to your word.
Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God!
— Author unknown
