June 8, 2025: Pentecost Sunday

The great reality of the Paschal Mystery of Christ's death and Resurrection comes upon the Church in full force when the promised Holy Spirit descends like wind and fire.  The Church came alive and the disciples boldly proclaimed the Gospel.  Many people who were gathered for this important Jewish feast of Pentecost heard the mighty works of God proclaimed in many languages, all speaking the language of faith.  So the many peoples became one through this proclamation.

Jesus presented Himself to the apostles who were locked in a room of fear, bringing them peace and forgiveness through the breath of the Holy Spirit.  He sent them forth by this breath so they could bring this message of reconciliation to the world.  Indeed, those who were dead in sin, as St. Paul writes, were brought alive by the Spirit.

The Holy Spirit continues to work in the Church, teaching us and reminding us of all that Christ taught, so we can continue this mission.  

Recently, I listened to a Word on Fire program in which Bishop Barron described how unity makes diversity possible and how unity and diversity enrich each other.  We are bound by one faith, as St. Paul describes, which is realized in different ways in different people.

I think about this reality as I celebrate the 20th anniversary of my Julian Middle School 8th grade graduation today.  Our Class of 2005 came from all different parts of Oak Park, from a diversity of backgrounds, and we came together to learn and grow together.  Learning so much about others, including Jewish people, helped me appreciate myself even more.  Indeed, when I graduated, I celebrated a newfound zeal for faith.  It was a sign of how the Holy Spirit was at work in me to bring me alive.

So the Holy Spirit continues to bring us alive in different ways so that we can join together in declaring Jesus as our Lord and Savior.