Dear Community of Saint Joseph’s;

 

Last week the Church celebrated the great feast of Pentecost.  My letter in the bulletin was all about some important changes in our daily and weekly mass schedule, however before we get too far into Ordinary Time, I did want to share with you some thoughts about this great feast.  And although a week late, I hope the Spirit of Pentecost will stay with you providing strength and wisdom every day.  The following quote is from the Pentecost section of Diane Bergant’s book, “Preaching the New Lectionary.”

 

Father Matt Pennington

Pastor

 

Why does our world look the same?  Why is there so much religious and ethnic rivalry?  Why do we continue to make distinctions between Jew and Gentile, slave and free, woman and man, distinctions that favor one at the expense of the other?  Why is there so little peace or comfort or solace?  Why do we refuse to forgive or to be reconciled? Is Pentecost merely a feast we celebrate in red vestments?  Has the face of the earth really been renewed?

 

The answer is yes!  Resoundingly, yes!  The Spirit has been poured forth and works wonders wherever human hearts are open to its promptings.  The earth is renewed each time rivalries are resolved; distinctions are recognized as merely expressions of diversity; peace is restored; comfort and solace are offered; forgiveness is granted.  We are immersed in the vigor of the Spirit of God; all we have to do is open ourselves to it and the reign of God will be born in our midst.