Come, Holy Spirit!

Though we do not have absolute control over the gifts and talents we have been given, we do have control over how we will choose to use them. There are many and varied gifts in our parish and in the church universal. Some are gifted artists and musicians; some are truly skilled tradesmen and women; some are brilliant doctors, nurses, lawyers, insurance salesmen and women, financial advisors, and bankers; some are great teachers and coaches, priests, deacons and pastoral ministers; some are helpful secretaries, receptionists, store clerks, and bus drivers; some are faithful factory workers, road crew workers, maintenance and custodial workers, and landscape professionals; and the list goes on.

One of the invitations of the Feast of Pentecost is to consider whether we are using our gifts and talents, guided and animated by the Holy Spirit, to build up the church and help create a world closer to what God intended when he created it. The apostles and others present on the first Pentecost did not suddenly become more gifted or talented when they accepted the Holy Spirit into their lives. Many of them were uneducated and had ordinary professions like fishermen and tax collectors. What changed on Pentecost was that they placed their lives and gifts in the hands of the Lord believing that, animated by the Holy Spirit, they could continue the mission inaugurated by Jesus Christ and entrusted to them. The Acts of the Apostles gives clear evidence of the marvelous works they proved capable of because they allowed the Spirit into their lives.

When you think about the people you influence in your home, your work place, your school, your neighborhood, in the stores you frequent and more, would you say that you are using your gifts and talents as a means of forwarding the mission of Jesus Christ. Are you attentive to the needs of others; do you share your faith in deed and, when possible, in word; do you ever invite an unchurched friend to church; do you share you time, talent and treasure in the works of the church and in support of charities that lighten the burdens of the distressed and poor?

Again, you and I may not have absolute control over the gifts and talents we have been given by God, but we do have a lot of say in how our gifts will be used. Paul reminds us in the second reading for Pentecost (1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13) that our gifts are given for ?some benefit?, for the common good. They are not for our good only, but are given for the good of others as well. Every one of us has a talent or gift that is needed for the Body of Christ to flourish and grow.

May the Holy Spirit so infuse us today, that as individuals, parish and church we become ever more alive and vibrant like the church described in the Acts of the Apostles. The coming of the Holy Spirit made of real impact on the lives of the disciples and followers of Jesus. May the same impact be felt by us and seen by all.

Today, at the 11:00 a.m. Mass, Shelby Hicks and Julia Whipple, who have been preparing for an extended period of time to join the Catholic faith, were received into the Catholic faith through their profession of faith and Confirmation. They also received their first communion.

Shelby and Julia, we congratulate you and welcome you as you join the Catholic faith and St. Gerard Church. May the journey you have begun bring you much joy and peace. Our prayers are with you.

Fr. John Klein, Pastor