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Pentecost Sunday — May 28, 2023

Bishop’s Reflections

May 28, 2023

Every Sunday, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Click HERE for the readings.

Pentecost Sunday — May 28, 2023

If a fire started somewhere in the church building, the first thing everyone would be asked to do is to leave.

On the first Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended upon the assembled group as “tongues as of fire.” They began to understand each other, even though they spoke different languages. They were filled with the language of faith, hope and love and they went out from that place to announce the Gospel that Jesus had risen from the dead. They took the message to the ends of the earth. The fire of the Holy Spirit compelled them to leave their comfort zone and begin telling others about the person they had encountered — Jesus, back from the grave.

This is also the experience of the disciples in our Gospel reading. Jesus comes to them, offering his peace, and then tells them, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” He breathes on them, and they receive the Holy Spirit. Again, they receive the Spirit and are sent out to witness to Jesus, risen from the dead. They are also given the power to forgive sins, which is the way people are reconciled to God.

Whenever I confirm people, mostly teenagers, I remind them of the gifts of the Holy Spirit that are being given to them: wisdom, understanding, counsel, courage, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. Then I tell them that these gifts are given to them for a great purpose. They are to use these gifts to go out and tell the truths of our faith, the reality of Jesus who remains with us to the end of time, the importance of the sacraments (especially the sacrament of the Mass), the efficacy of God’s Word, and the love that God has for us, wanting us to be reconciled to him. They are to announce that God has sent a savior to us who cannot save ourselves. Heaven is not only real; it is possible for us to attain. We can become saints, but only with the help of Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life.

Yes, we have all been in the presence of fire if we have received the Holy Spirit. Now we must go out and tell the Good News. As Jesus was sent to us, he sends us to others. When there is fire, leave! But take some of the fire with us as we go.

A lukewarm Church attracts no one. A Church with fire in its belly, a fire that compels us to move outward in space and time, saves souls.

Let’s also be grateful for those who gave their lives to defend our nation. May they rest in peace as we honor them over the Memorial Day weekend.

Have a blessed week everyone.

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