Pentecost, Birthday of the Church

Dearest Ones,
Did you ever experience the Holy Spirit in your life, helping you to accomplish something you never dreamed you could do? Were you amazed and delighted to find that His inspiration blessed and thrilled you, giving you a feeling of fulfillment?I am so glad God is willing to use ordinary people like you and me to reach others with God's love. Why not give everything to the care of the Spirit - your family, your finances, your life?

Sunday, May 31, 50 days after Easter, is called Pentecost because it is the Birthday of the Church! It is a very important day because on that day God sent the Holy Spirit to teach the leaders of the Church. Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit is very real in our lives.

Jesus asked his followers to wait in an Upper Room with Mary, His Mother, and pray for nine days. After that he promised the Holy Spirit would come and they would never be alone again.

None of those waiting had any idea how the Spirit would come. They were very much afraid, because at that time it was dangerous to be a Christian. Christians were being crucified. All of a sudden, they heard a loud noise, like thunder and strong wind. They were all trembling and fearful, and some even thought it was the end of the world. Then tongues of fire appeared over the heads of the followers and as that happened, all their fears were gone!

They were no longer timid and fearful, but instead they couldn't wait to get out and tell everybody the news about the love Jesus has for them. That's what the Holy Spirit can do! And he can do the same for you and me. I don't think it means that we are to run around telling everyone how much God loves them, but rather, it means treating people with love and respect.

When the Holy Spirit came to us at Baptism, he brought us seven gifts, that would always have help to face the trials and dangers in this world. Even though we may not be aware of these gifts and possibly can't even name them, they are always in our hearts. These are the seven gifts:

l. Wisdom is the greatest gift of all. It helps us in times of doubt, to figure out what is right thing to do. I think every parent must pray for their children to have wisdom, so they will make wise choices.

2. Understanding is the gift that helps us to accept God's words and make them part of my life.

3. Counsel helps us when we are asked to give advice. What if I say the wrong thing when someone is in trouble? The gift of counsel will not let that happn, if we ask for help. Parents need the gift of counsel when advising their children. I think all parents can relate to the experience of a child going from one parent to another for advice. In times like this, parents need to be together in guiding their children and need to let their children understand they will not tolerate such behavior.

4. Knowledge is the powerful gift that helps us to know the will of God. It has nothing to do with "worldly" knowldge or the knowledge that one gets out of books, but rather what is going to lead us to heaven.

5. Fortitude is another word for courage. It helps us to speak up when we know what is the right thing to say, even though it may not be the most popular opinion.

6. Piety is the gift that may be called reverence for things holy. It is sincere love for God and all His creatures. One can tell by the way persons treat one another, if they have the gift of piety.

7. Fear of the Lord is the kind of fear that a child has, who does not want to disappoint a beloved parent. He is afraid of losing the love of the parent. It does not mean to be afraid of God, but only to be afraid of offending Him.

What if we forget to ask for these gifts? That's all right. We don't need to ask each time we need them, as long as we have love in our hearts, the Holy Spirit is there. Jesus was led by the Spirit all of his life. Before he went to heaven, he wanted to give us the Spirit, so all would know the right thing to do. He said these words just before He left this world:

"It is better for you that I should go because if I do not leave you, the Spirit cannot come. When the Spirit comes, he will teach you all truth and if you ask for anything in my name, the Father will give it to you." (John 15)

We are all called to spread the faith. We can't do it by ourselves - we do what we can and then let the Holy Spirit do the real conversion. We may be called to spread the faith by suffering, if not by actual contact with others. Isn't it great just to know we are not alone on our journey? Ask for the courage and strength to face whatever lies ahead, and trust that God will make a way to find good in the most difficult circumstances. Have a Lovely Pentecost!

I love you!
Sr. Francelle