Homily

Today we celebrate Pentecost. It is a solemnity which gives it the character of being one of the highest of our feasts in the liturgical year. It is the birthday of the Church. It is the celebration of the special indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of the early Church. We are still that community today.

We are still that community today for we still have people who are incredible saints. We are still that community today for we are also a sinful people in need of reconciliation. We are still that community today for we still have the presence of the Spirit in our community. We are still that community today for many of us struggle to believe amidst an unbelieving world. We are still that community for we still have the same mission to spread the Good News of Jesus to the world. We are still that same community for we are also afraid to live out that mission. We are that same community who are rich and poor. We are the same community who have been given the promise of the Holy Spirit. Yes. We are still that same community 2000 years later. And as that same community, we have been given gifts or fruits of the Spirit.

So then, what is the gift or fruit you have been given? Do you exercise that gift? Sometimes we are either too shy or afraid to express our gifts. So maybe we should pray for them today.

Come Holy Spirit. Come into my heart. Open my mind. Open my heart. Let me know you more clearly. Come Holy Spirit and renew me. Increase my faith. Push out my doubts. Enkindle my passion. Renew my thoughts and behavior. Take away my pride. Grant me a new humility. Help me to put you first in my life. Move my heart to love as you love. Come Holy Spirit. Set my heart on fire. Grant me a new peace in my heart. Move my heart for the needs of others. Help me stay focused on those things that are most important. Help me not to become too busy. Help me to be focused. Help me slow down. Enkindle a spirit of service in me. Change my sadness to joy. Transform my pain to give you glory. Come Holy Spirit. Come into my heart. Come and renew my life. Amen.