Pentecost Sunday

05-23-2021Pastor's CornerRev. Robert J. Deehan, V.F.

I think the most forgotten member of the Blessed Trinity is the Holy Spirit. Yet, the Holy Spirit, which comes to us from the Father and the Son, is what makes the presence and power of God possible within our Church and our world. You might consider it the dynamic spiritual force of God that gives life, blesses, empowers, energizes, strengthens, enlightens, inspires, guides, unifies and makes holy. The seven gifts we’re given by the Holy Spirit, received in a special way in the Sacrament of Confirmation include: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety and Fear of the Lord – which means revering God by offering Him due worship and devotion.

Think about what the coming of the Holy Spirit did to the disciples in the upper room on that first Pentecost. They were completely changed people, gifted with special abilities and zeal to make known the message and love of Jesus Christ, and the salvation made possible by His death and Resurrection. What effect has the Holy Spirit had on you? Have you ever prayed for a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit, maybe with the simple prayer “Come Holy Spirit?” St. Paul in his letter to the Galatians offers some evidence to look for as a way of telling if someone has allowed the Holy Spirit to be effective in them. His list includes 9 “fruits” of the Holy Spirit and the tradition of our Church has expanded them to 12. They are: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, long-suffering, humility, faithfulness, modesty, self-control and chastity. So, how do you measure up? Pray daily that the Holy Spirit will come upon you in order to be graced and guided to carry out well the unique and special mission the Lord has entrusted to you. Here is a Prayer to the Holy Spirit written by Passionist Father William Browning , C.P. that seems particularly relevant in this time of pandemic.

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

O Holy Spirit, give me stillness of soul in you.
Calm the turmoil within with the gentleness of your peace.
Quiet the anxiety within with a deep trust in you.
Heal the wounds of sin within with the joy of your forgiveness.
Strengthen the faith within with the awareness of your presence.
Confirm the hope within with the knowledge of your strength.
Give fullness to the love within with an outpouring of your love.
O Holy Spirit, be to me a source of light, strength and courage
so that I may hear your call ever more clearly and follow it more generously.
Amen.