PENTECOST

How does it happen?

The miraculous event of Pentecost which grabs our attention is that the crowd, comprising people of many languages and cultures, could hear the disciples proclaiming the Good News to them in their own tongues. However, the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus had promised, first brought the miracle of courage to the frightened and timid group gathered in that room in Jerusalem. The two miracles were part of the great miracle of unity which the Spirit came and still comes to give. We pray for this miracle today.

The Gospel is not meant for this culture or that: it is for every human being. “How does it happen,” asked the crowds, “that each of us hears them in our own native language?” Whenever the Church opens herself to the power of the Spirit, she leaps over barriers of age, of race, of class, of customs, to share that life. She becomes what she is called to be: a sign of unity and an instrument of peace.

Our new Pope has chosen as his motto In illo uno unum. It comes from St Augustine of Hippo and means that in the one Christ his followers become one. The gift of unity, which we are called to share with the world, must at the same time become a reality among all who claim the badge of “Christian”.

How does it happen? The Holy Spirit brings us “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”  These fruits, when we say yes to them, produce unity: the love of God that binds together the Body of Christ. Christ calls his Church to become one within so that she may become a sacrament of unity for this broken world. We pray for this miracle today.

Come, Holy Spirit!
Heal our wounds, our strength renew
On our dryness pour your dew
Wash the stains of guilt away:

Bend the stubborn heart and will
Melt the frozen, warm the chill
Guide the steps that go astray…

+ Michael McKenna
Bishop of Bathurst

Pentecost 2025