“Everything you need to know about Pentecost”
YES, can you believe it? This is the title of an article written by an editor of Catholic News Agency (CNA). It is usually an awesome source of basic Catholic news and truth. (I even recommend their app.) But, this title is a lie! It is a lie not just because it is only a short article, but it never really tells the reader anything about Pentecost except for its Bible origins, the birthday of the Church and vestment colors...really? Where is the “everything?” And is it ever possible to know the “everything?” No...but today you can begin approaching the everything by choosing to breathe more deeply the rushing winds and tongues of fire to change everything in your life. As evangelist Mark Roberts succinctly put it, “Christians are meant to live in the presence and power of the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit helps us to confess Jesus as Lord (1 Cor 12:3), empowers us to serve God with supernatural power (1 Cor 12:4-11), binds us together as the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:12-13), helps us to pray (Rom 8:26), and even intercedes for us with God the Father (Rom 8:27). The Spirit guides us (Gal 5:25), helping us to live like Jesus (Gal 5:22-23).” So when the Easter season ends this Sunday evening at sundown it doesn’t mean Pentecost is over...it is merely beginning the everything that this world is waiting for.
The Holy Spirit will bring us some awesomeness in the near future: Saturday, June 15th during the 5:00 p.m. Vigil Mass for Holy Trinity Sunday, Fr. Bearer and I will be offering the Sacrament of Anointing for those who are with serious or long term health needs. When coming in for Mass, please check in at the table in the main narthex if you will need the Sacrament of Anointing. Since the following weekend (June 22/23) is the feast of Corpus Christi (the Body and Blood of Christ), why not prepare for it by scheduling some Eucharistic Adoration time in the Church or reading something from St. Alphonsus Ligouri or one of the Saints (https://www.eucharisticdevotion.com/the-saints .html)? Also next week I’ll give you an exciting update on our new Memorare Center. Thank you so much for your support that makes all this possible. Lastly, I must acknowledge the death of Bill Bertsch who has been a vital part of our parish Finance Council and St. Vincent de Paul Society for decades. Both Fr. Schleicher and I relied upon his wisdom and support. We wouldn’t be where we are without his sacrifice.
Thank you Liam!
Fr. Bline
(Painting of "Pentecost" is by Mark Wiggin)
