flame

 

downy woodpercker original photo jan 2006

 

Pentecost 2006, June 4th

There are two gospel readings that could be used for a mass today:

Jn 20:19-23 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, f or fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midstand said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” or Jn 15:26-27; 16:12-15 Jesus said to his disciples: “When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning. “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.”
It was four years ago on Pentecost that Sister MM and I knocked on the door of the monastery in the evening to become Postulants. That year in 2002 Pentecost was May 19th. In 2000 Pentecost, I was blessed to be on a pilgrimmage in Rome and attended a Mass in St Peter's Square with my father. The presence of the Holy Spirit was so strong with the people from around the world and the actual service including at least ten different languages. Pope John Paul II was an inspiration he seemed to gather and continue to gain strength from performing the mass. It was a very special time for me both on 2000 and 2002. I always pray to the Holy Spirit before I begin any reading or study daily. It is a blessing to be able to read the writings of the early Church that are filled with the passion and fire of love of God. The truth is the way and God gives all to those who give all to God.

In the first reading Jesus breaths on the disciples. It is a very special gift of the Spirit that comes with the breath of God. I pray today that all that I am be alive and open to the Spirit. Breath on me breath of God that I may do your will.

I have special prayers for a close and dear friend who has been a great mentor to me who has just received another round of chemotherapy. I pray for her comfort and healing today.