From the Pastor - Pentecost

When, or even if, someone asks you "What church do you belong to?", what is your first response? Is it 'Saint Theresa' or 'Saint Christopher'? Is it 'I’m looking!'? Or is it simply, 'the Catholic Church'?

This Feast of Pentecost is a celebration of the birth of the Church, centered in Jesus Christ and constituted in a multitude of members with very different gifts. As the Spirit of God is poured out upon the disciples, the flame of faith burned away all fear and purified them in courage. The Spirit empowered each of them to take a strong and distinct role in the spread of the Gospel. And no two were alike. What unified them was their belief that Jesus had died for them, rose to new life, and that no matter where they were, Jesus would be with them until the end of the age. Their communion was in the faith that they could accomplish great things together and as long as they continued to call upon the presence and power of Christ himself, they would never lose.

Over the many years of development of our Church, we have struggled with all that makes us truly Christian. The structures are necessary parts of any human institution, and act as both pillars and guides to our own development of faith. The Spirit of God has guided the Church throughout her history to grow in wisdom and understanding, and to be purified in those times when it was most necessary. Through the popes who have come and gone, the ecumenical councils that sought the collective wisdom of all peoples of faith, the leadership and faithful of our local communities, in fact all who genuinely seek the guidance of the Spirit in their daily lives, God has been able to work through the Church to bring healing and understanding to untold numbers of people.

The Church we belong to has a rich history and firm foundation, even as she continues to carry the blemishes inherent in her membership’s nature as human beings. I believe that it is precisely because of her imperfections that we are able to see the very work of God through her. We can attribute her successes over the years only to God himself and the continuous working of the Spirit. We could never take full credit for all God has been able to accomplish through her.

Even today, we as a people of faith bear witness to God’s power and presence when we allow the Spirit to speak through us. Like the disciples at that first Pentecost, we are challenged to accept the purifying fire of the Spirit to burn in our hearts, removing the fears and doubts that are so human. Like them, who lived so long ago, we are to allow the Spirit of God to instill in us a confidence beyond our human capabilities to both appreciate and utilize our many and varied gifts. Like the Church in her infancy, we are to encourage and uphold every member of the Body of Christ, the Church, in their uniqueness, and challenge all members to place their gifts at the service of one another.

We pray this weekend for the continued growth of the Church in the world, and for the courage to leave our private rooms to boldly proclaim that we are Christ’s in word and in deed. May we be both Catholic and Christian, regardless of where we might belong.