Reflection - Pentecost

Following the recommendation in Rediscovering Catholicism by Mathew Kelly, I’m trying to do a better job of reviewing the readings the night before, and, yes, I’m jotting down notes on the homily. The Gospel tells us that Jesus, when he visited his disciples after his resurrection twice said “Peace be with you.” I wondered why he had to say it twice. Then I realized right after he said it the first time, we are told that the disciples rejoiced. I can imaging them jumping up and down, hugging each other, elated at the sight of Jesus. So Jesus had to say it a second time, in effect saying, “Hey, pipe down. I have something else to say.” The second reading tells us that the Holy Spirit gives, “to each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.” Not some, not a majority, but to each. We all are one part of His body, the Church, so we each have a job to do. So I think we need to listen and be open to His promptings. Often, when we think we know what He wants us to do, we find something entirely different. Some jobs are greater, some more humble. Some do their job by raising a family - teaching their children of their faith. Some have slowed down - but if nothing else they can pray. We all can proclaim the Gospel to our family, friends, fellow workers, and neighbors. We should not hide our faith, but proclaim it. I don’t think this calling is only directed to the mission of the Church or spiritual matters, but to secular or societal matters as well. We know the condition our society is in. We need to be that leaven to call ourselves and others to the mission of service to our fellow sojourners and make this a better place for ourselves, our children and the generations to come. He will tell you what to do. Simply find a quiet place and ask. You might not get an immediate answer, but He will answer.