I’m not very good at telling jokes. I like them, but after I hear one and laugh at it, I let it go and forget it.   I suspect this doesn’t just apply to jokes.  The Gospel today hints that the disciples may have had the same weakness when Jesus says the Spirit will “teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you” (John 14:26).

Jesus spent three years teaching his disciples and showing them how much God loves them and how to love their neighbor.  He used parables as examples and miracles as signs of the Father’s love.  He answered their questions and explained things privately.  Knowing that this would still not be enough, he promised to send the Spirit after he had risen.  You have to experience some things to understand them.  And that is what the disciples would do.

When they received the Spirit after Jesus’ resurrection, they also began to do the things Jesus talked about.  They fed the poor and healed the sick.  Thus they began to experience Jesus in those around them.  They would remember what Jesus had taught them and apply it in their lives.  They even accepted suffering for their faith.

We too can receive that promise from Jesus to have the Spirit teach and remind us.  As we share our faith with others, we begin to experience Jesus in them.  As we listen to the Lord in prayer, we are reminded of passages in the Bible and we begin to understand how they apply in our lives.  May the Holy Spirit teach and remind us of the signs of God’s love.

Tom Schmidt, Diocesean Publication

Pentecost Sunday | USCCB

If Pentecost celebrates the gifts of the Spirit, it can tempt us to separate the Spirit from the Father and Jesus.  Sometimes we think of the Father as the God of the Old Testament, Jesus as center of New Testament, and the Spirit as God of the present age, almost as if the Father and Jesus were enjoying their retirement.  No, we have one God who is over all and in all.

The Spirit has been active in all ages.  The prophets were empowered by the Spirit to proclaim God’s word to Israel.  Jesus was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus was filled with the Spirit as he preached and worked miracles.  Then at Pentecost the disciples were filled with the Spirit.

The Spirit’s gifts are meant to be shared.  The prophets could not help proclaiming God’s message.  Jesus shared all he knew with his disciples.  The disciples went out to the world to spread the news of Jesus’ death and resurrection.  We too are given gifts to be shared.

As we come to realize how much God has done for us and how close he is to us, we will want to share that with others.  Obviously, we can’t make everyone believe in Jesus.  But how sad would it be if someone we know was looking for the truth and we neglected to offer it?

Tom Schmidt, Diocesan Publications

Pentecost Sunday | USCCB (Vigil, Mass during the Day and extended Vigil)

Pentecost is the great feast of the sending.

The sending of the disciples to carry Jesus’ presence and message to the ends of the Earth.

It happens when one is transformed by receiving the power of the Holy Spirit.

This power turns ones’ life outward toward mission and is the essence of the Church.

We are the Church, the continuation of the mission.

Let us pray for openness to the guidance of the Spirit.

Readings: Pentecost Sunday | USCCB

A great transition has taken place.

The Spirit will now be our guide.

Jesus comes to be with us in a new way, through the Spirit.

Just imagine for a moment the incredible gift we have received.

The power and presence of God as a guide and help.

The power of creation and love itself is always with us.

Pray and ask again for guidance for a new life in the Spirit.

Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/060522-day.cfm

 Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to be with us and to sustain us.

We receive the same gift given to the apostles and disciples through our baptism and confirmation.

Indeed, we are given the same power and support whenever we receive the Eucharist.

Pentecost is often called the birthday of the church and, in a way, it is our birthday too.

We have been given a new life in faith.

Jesus sends us to do His work.  Are we ready to go?

Readings:  https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/052321-Day.cfm

• The great transition has taken place.
• The Spirit will now be our guide.
• Jesus comes to be with us in a new way, through the Spirit.
• Just imagine for a moment the incredible gift we have received.
• The power and presence of God as a guide and help.
• The power of creation and love itself is always with us.
• Pray and ask again for guidance for new life in the Spirit.