The month of June is the month of Solemnities. The last Sunday in May and two of the four Sundays in June are marked by special celebrations: Pentecost, Trinity Sunday, and Corpus Christi. I would like to take some time over the next few weeks to reflect on each of these.
Pentecost Sunday, which we celebrate this weekend, is a commemoration of that event in the history of the Church. The time when the Holy Spirit descended on the Blessed Mother Mary and the Apostles fifty days after the resurrection of Jesus. This event marks the birthday of the Church, because without the power and work of the Holy Spirit, the Apostles would not have been able to continue the ministry of Jesus through the Church. Jesus promised his Apostles that He will send the great gift of the Holy Spirit who will teach them all things and guide them in what to do. Since the first coming of the Holy Spirit, the Church has relied on the power of the Holy Spirit in her ministry. We believe that it is by the power of the Holy Spirit that the sacraments of the Church are celebrated, and it is only the power of the Holy Spirit that the followers of Jesus are able to receive the life of grace and healing. This is why it is very important that we acknowledge the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives by developing a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit. We should pray to the Holy Spirit asking for the gifts needed to live as faithful followers of Jesus.
On this Pentecost Sunday let us renew our commitment to live the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and to practice the life of Catholic Virtues.
Fr. Wojtek Kuzma
Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety and the Fear of the Lord.