St. Mary's Catholic Church of Tomahawk, WI

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

This Sunday is the feast of Pentecost, the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. The Disciples waited in prayer for the Holy Spirit who came down upon them on this day in tongues of fire. In the Old Testament, God manifested on a few occasions in the form of fire to the people of Israel. When they were filled with the Holy Spirit, the disciples spoke in different languages which people of other languages could understand, thus drawn together by the Holy Spirit. Do we seek to remain united, guided and filled with the Holy Spirit?

The second reading tells us that the Spirit unites us even while endowing us with diverse gifts. In this way, the Spirit respects the difference of each member of the Church and endows us with unique gifts. These gifts are for the good of the whole community. How do we wish to recognize, respect and utilize the unique gifts the Holy Spirit has given to us for the common good?

The Gospel tells us about the Holy Spirit being given to the disciples in Jesus’ second post-resurrection appearance. The Risen Lord extends twice the greetings of peace to His disciples who were assembled in fear. The showing of His hands and side, makes it plain that Jesus is the crucified-risen Lord. Having given them the Holy Spirit, the Lord commissions them by sending them to proclaim and to forgive sins. It is an awesome power, a potent sign of life and a clear indicator of the Spirit in them. Are we willing to forgive when hurt or harmed by others? Do we act in accordance with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in us?

Fr. Aloysius Royan Anthony