Greetings of Easter Peace.

This weekend we celebrate Pentecost. Throughout the Easter season we proclaim, “He is risen. He is risen, indeed. Alleluia!” We conclude the Easter Season with Pentecost. As we “breathe in” and “breathe out” God's Pentecost spirit in our midst, we can pause as another busy year in our parish community begins to slow down a bit. Yes, parishes often follow the “school year” for activities and “programs.”  I hope it has been a fulfilling and enriching year for you. And as we approach summer – which begins in a few weeks – and summer's slower pace – I pray that we can experience God’s presence in nature, in our families, friends, and community.

As we celebrate Pentecost, there are quite a few “Holy Spirit Prayers” that we can use to “call on” the Holy Spirit. One is the prayer that begins, “Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful…”

Another is St. Augustine’s beloved prayer which says, 

Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. 

Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. 

Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy. 

Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. 

Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy. 

I like a “Spirit Psalm” that is inspired by the image of the Spirit rushing upon David when he was anointed as King (1 Samuel 16/13). It asks the same Holy Spirit to “Rush upon us” as it did upon King David.

Rush upon us, O Spirit of God! From this time on, rush upon us

like living water, like leaping fire, like fresh breath through an open window.

For this time, rush upon us, O Holy Spirit, with wisdom and knowledge, 

with understanding and counsel, with wonder and recognition and awe.

Just in time, rush upon us, O Spirit of God,
in life-giving words, in songs from the voiceless, in passion for witness.

At this time, rush upon us, O Holy Spirit; this hopeful time, this searching time,
this preparing time, this coming and going time,
this trusting time, this new time, this full time.

All the time, Rush upon us, O Spirit of God!  Amen. Alleluia!

Yes, this “Spirit Psalm” says it well!  Now, each of us can live – inspired by the Holy Spirit!

This Monday, May 25, is Memorial Day. Since it is a “Civic Holiday” our morning mass will be celebrated at 9 AM at St. Mary. Here is more about Memorial Day. I encountered this “reflection” a few years ago and thought it is appropriate to share. “Memorial Day is a day originally begun to honor those who fell during the Civil War. Unfortunately – unfortunately, because it means there are others who gave their lives on the battlefield – it has grown to include the dead from all of the United States, wars, police actions, or ‘conflicts.’ Everyone of us who is privileged to call ourselves Americans know someone who either paid that price or know someone whose kinsman did so. A father, who wore the uniform for years, a daughter or son-in-law, who wears one now… So take time today to remember our servicemen and women and be thankful that they were there then – and here now.”

I say, “Amen.”

 

Finally, this is also the time of year we celebrate Graduations. Congratulations 8th grade graduates from our parish school – and to all graduates. May the Risen Lord guide you in all your endeavors and on your journey to the future. You are in our prayers! Well done! As Dr. Seuss said, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”

Have a great week. Enjoy the holiday.

You are in my heart and in my prayers.

Blessings and Easter peace,

Fr. Gary