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May 20, 2024Pentecost Sunday, the birth of our “Church,” reflecting the historical appearance of the Holy Spirit before and upon the disciples, fifty days after Jesus Resurrection (ten days after his Ascension). On the fiftieth day after Jesus’ Resurrection, ten days after His Ascension, the 120 disciples were once again gathered in the upper room when they experienced something beyond their imagination. From the sky came a noise like a strong driving wind. It filled the room they were in. Tongues, as of fire, fell upon all gathered, and they were given the gift of tongues, which enabled them to speak in different languages—by the power of the Holy Spirit—to the diverse groups of people in Jerusalem. This is what Jesus had promised them, and suddenly they understood as they received the Gift of God. After receiving the Holy Spirit, the disciples went out into the community of Jerusalem and began to boldly proclaim the Gospel to all.
Pentecost, the beginning of our Church and the ongoing influence of the Holy Spirit, prompting us in and through times when the blessings are evident, and times when the struggles seem insurmountable. Church remains and will always be. Our prayer this Sunday is one of hope as reflected in the words of Pope John XXIII: “O Jesus, come back into our society, our family life, our souls and reign there as our peaceful Sovereign. Enlighten with the splendor of faith and the charity of Your tender heart the souls of those who work for the good of the people, for Your poor. Impart to them Your own spirit, a spirit of discipline, order and gentleness, preserving the flame of enthusiasm ever alight in their hearts... May that day come very soon, when we shall see You restored to the center of civic life, borne on the shoulders of Your joyful people.” Pope John XXIII
Though I knew Fr. Merv Hood as a priest in our diocese, my friendship only began when I was transferred to the Fort Dodge cluster of parishes. Fr. Hood was retired and living in Fort Dodge, his hometown, and actively supported the ministries and activities taking place in the Catholic churches of the surrounding area.
He had a gentle grace about him, unwillingness to harbor any negativity about others, and with a keen sense of humor, brought forth the hope of our Catholic- Christian Church within our conversations.
He understands ‘Church’ not in the past or in the present, but as a continual, fluid motion guided by the Holy Spirit, seeking the footsteps of Christ Jesus, the unconditional of God our Creator. When I was transferred to Carroll he wrote me an encouraging card with an insert of St. Oscar Romero’s reflection on Church as a composite of the laity and ordained called to proclaim the “Good News” by our lives and relationships. Having kept this reflection in my breviary through the years, it seems appropriate for this weekend, Pentecost Sunday.
“It helps, now and then, to step back and take the long view.
The Kingdom is not only beyond our efforts; it is even beyond our vision. We accomplish in our lifetime only a fraction of the magnificent enterprise that is God’s work. Nothing we do is complete, which is another way of saying that the kingdom always lies beyond us. No statement says all that could be said. No prayer fully expresses our faith. No confession brings perfection. No pastoral visit brings wholeness. No program accomplishes the church’s mission. No set of goals and objectives includes everything. This is what we are about. We plant the seeds that one day will grow. We water the seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise. We lay foundations that will need further development. We provide yeast that produces effects far beyond our capabilities.
We cannot do everything and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that. This enables us to do something and to do it well. It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an opportunity for the Lord’s grace to enter and do the rest. We may never see the end results, but that is the difference between the master builder and the worker. We are workers, not master builders; ministers, not messiahs.
We are prophets of a future not our own.”
God Bless, Fr. Tim
FYI: "Where flowers bloom so does hope." (Lady Bird Johnson)