Pentecost Sunday tells of the power of the Holy Spirit to work through us
by Sister Carolyn Zahringer
Does it seem possible that it’s been fifty days since we celebrated Easter Sunday? The wind and fire recounted in the Acts reading reminds us of a miracle that took place when all the gathered nations “heard” the message in their own native language. There is a deep need today for nations to hear “good news” in their native language in their native lands.
In the letter to the Romans 5:5 we hear: “The love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Spirit of God dwelling within us.” What type of response does that quote elicit from us to make our world a safer, kinder, welcoming place?
In the early 1990s a poem was set to music by Kevin Keil and is published by OCP. The poem is used as a refrain to thread together an older “spirit” hymn under the title: “One Spirit, One Church". Reflect upon the words of the refrain and let it speak and call forth a response in you for our time.
“We are a pilgrim people, we are the church of God,
A family of believers, disciples of the Lord,
United in one spirit, ignited by the fire,
Still burning through the ages, still present in our lives.”
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A dream our God has for us is to be “One Spirit, One Church”, someday. What steps can we each take in our day-to-day living to assist in bringing that dream to fruition?
At the end of each Mass, we are sent forth to make a difference. What difference might each of us make this week, tapping into that renewed fire of the Spirit present in our lives?
Just taking a mindful moment to remember that we are one is a start. Then one breath, one move, one step at a time living in his peaceful presence. Thanks for the reminder, Sr. Carrie.