Reflection for Pentecost Sunday – May 31, 2009

Gathered together in a locked room, the disciples received Jesus who breathed the Spirit of God into them and wished them peace. Then they were able to unlock the door and go out to meet the crowds of strangers and share the joy of God’s word with them. Because of the power of the Holy Spirit, every person present was able to understand the message that the disciples preached.

What gifts have been bestowed upon us as we welcome the Holy Spirit on this Pentecost 2009? Will we also overcome our fears and walk among the “strangers,” speak the word of God and exemplify God’s love by the actions of our lives? Are we on fire with the love of God and do we attempt to bring that love to all whom we encounter each day?

Some days it is easier than others to be bearers of the good news and to be examples of God’s love in our lives. If we can remember that it is the power of God, the gifts of the Spirit, and not just us, that bring Christ to the poor, the lonely, the hurting, then overcoming our fears and walking out to meet the stranger becomes more possible. We are but small pieces of an infinitely large puzzle, and God is the one who fits the puzzle together. And it is in accepting this knowledge that we can also come to accept God’s for us.

Jesus came that we might have life and come to know our God. The Spirit offers us wisdom and strength that we might bring the peace of Christ to our troubled world. Wouldn’t it be grand if we really opened ourselves to receive the Holy Spirit and become instruments of the “renewal of the face of the earth”? 

Let us pray, “Lord, send us your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth,” so that God will enable us to bring about a lasting peace in our world.

Reflection by Sr. Maryellen Blumlein, SC
(Sr. Maryellen celebrated her 25th anniversary
 as a Sister of Charity in October 2008.
 She teaches English at Mother Cabrini HS in Manhattan.)