Pentecost Sunday
Acts 2:1-11 - Psalm 104 - Cor. 12:3b-7 - John 20:19-23
Peace be with you, as the Father has sent me, so I send you.
Many who attend church services today are decked out in red and observing the feast created by the Risen Christ who entered through locked doors and fired up the apostles. From that day on there was no stopping them from continuing the life of Christ in their world.
Today, we are the followers of Jesus who have gone to many a Pentecost Sunday Mass and heard these readings proclaimed, but there is a difference in hearing and listening to the word of God. Hearing is simply the ability to receive sounds, and listening is paying attention to what is heard.
Whether in the world around us, or in church, the senses draw us to what is attractive. Recalling the unsuccessful lives of the prophets, the ignominious death of Jesus, and the martyrdom of so many who proclaim Jesus as Lord, it doesn’t behoove us to go out and become a modern-day apostle. Fortunately, priests, religious men and women, catechists and many laity have and still are proclaiming and living the gospel message.
The inspiration of Pope Francis who has invited us to ponder how all who live and take life seriously can save the suffering planet. The many actions taking place as a result of his Laudato Si book gives the people of Pentecost direction and movement toward a renewed life for all that seek to be truly alive in the created world.
Fear permeated the room that Jesus entered, and perhaps it is fear that closes our ears. May the power of Baptism, Confirmation and the Sacraments available to us allow each of us the opportunity to go out into the world and be the good news.
Sr. Dorothy Maxwell, OP