From safari…
The answer is blowing in the wind.
Meteorologists are reporting that this spring has been windier than normal. I don’t mind windy days, as long as the wind is not destructive, even if it means a bad hair day. As the wind envelops me, I feel the loving touch of God. Although lately the wind has been my nemesis as it has repeatable tipped over my six foot plus hibiscus tree. Recently the wind simply lifted the hibiscus tree out of its pot. It appears I have found the wind tunnel around the church buildings.
Wind is on my mind as I reflect on Pentecost, this last day of the Easter Season. Today we hear the Holy Spirit come as a strong driving wind upon the disciples and as the gentle breath of Jesus. Whether as a mighty wind or a gentle breath, we celebrate Pentecost today. “The feast of Pentecost celebrates a key moment of the Spirit’s ever-renewing presence in our lives. Pentecost functions like a movement that breaks down the boundaries of time and culture, and most of all, of our settled and certain attitudes that are epitomized in an unwillingness to forgive.
The symbol of multiple languages represents everything that divides us, everything that truncates communion. Pentecost proclaims that God created our diversity to enrich us so that understanding one another would lead us to grow in community with all of God’s beloved. If we want Pentecost to come to life in us, today’s Scriptures tell us that forgiveness is the place to start.
Today’s Gospel demonstrates that knowing and accepting the truth about ourselves opens us to the Spirit. According to the model of today’s Gospel, the second step in our Pentecost process is to become involved in reconciliation by forgiving and by being agents of forgiveness who help others learn that it is possible. Pentecost is a long process.” (June 2019, Celebration, p.12, The National Catholic Reporter Publishing Company, Kansas City, MO.)
Forty years ago, on the evening of Friday, May 28th, in the St. Joseph Church in St. Joseph, I felt the Holy Spirit flow around and through me, as I was prostrate during the Litany of all Saints. Only with the help of the Holy Spirit have I been able to shepherd with Christ. The Spirit has enabled me to reach beyond my own limitations.
Yes, the answer is blowing in the wind, for the Holy Spirit brings us to the truth, that we are his precious children, all are our brothers and sisters, and we are to bring to all the Good News of love and forgiveness. Come Holy Spirit, empower us, strengthen us, give us courage, and enkindle in us the fire of the Divine Love.
A blessed Pentecost and have a joy filled week.
Fr. Ron