Happy Pentecost Sunday! Happy Memorial Day!!

Happy Pentecost Sunday!

Happy Memorial Day!!

Happy Memorial Day! Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. Let us hold them in our prayers. At the same time let us remember all those who are serving to keep us safe. 

Happy birthday! Pentecost is the birthday of the Church. The name Pentecost comes from the Greek word "pentekoste," meaning "fiftieth." The Jews celebrated the Feast of Pentecost fifty days after the Passover. Initially, it was an agricultural feast, and later, the giving of the law at Mount Sinai. We celebrate the new Pentecost, fifty days after Jesus' resurrection, marking the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. The second reading for the Vigil is from the book of Exodus (19:3-8a,16-20b), when God came to Mount Sinai, there was fire and a loud sound with a trumpet blast (19:18-20). In the Pentecost, there was a mighty wind, and tongues of fire came upon the apostles (Acts 2:1-11).

We can see the presence of the Holy Spirit from the beginning of the Bible. In the Book of Genesis (1:2) we read, “The earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; the Spirit of God was moving over the face of the earth” (2:7). We read, “The Lord God formed man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul.” In the Gospel of John 20:21 & 22, Jesus, after the resurrection, appeared to the disciples and said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” In the book of Genesis, we see the first creation of man, and in the Gospel of John, we see the recreation.

The first reading for the Vigil Mass is from the book of Genesis, chapters 11:1-9, which provides the background for understanding Pentecost as a reversal of the story of Babel. The word babel means confused voice(s). The story of the Tower of Babel tells us that the sinful pride of the human beings separates them from God, and to show their pride, they decided to build the tower to reach the sky. They all spoke the same language, but God confused them, and that prevented them from building the tower. The first reading for the Mass of the day (Acts 2:1-11) is notable, as it describes how people from many nations overcame the language barrier. All of them were able to understand the Apostles when they were filled with the Holy Spirit. The Christian tradition views Pentecost as the undoing of the Tower of  Babel, and the reunification of the human family through the mission and witness of the apostolic Church.

The second reading for vigil is from Ezekiel 37:1-14, he sees the resurrection of the valley of dry bones. God will raise the Israelites from their graves and put His Spirit within them. The twelve Apostles, who are the twelve patriarchs of the reconstituted tribes of Israel, received the Holy Spirit and preached the Gospel (Acts 2:1-11). In the light of Ezekiel, we recognize Pentecost as the resurrection of Israel.

In the reading from the book of Joel (3:1-5), he anticipates that the Lord will someday renew the faithful with the   divine spirit. In Acts 2:17-21, Peter addresses the people, citing Joel’s words to suggest that the newly constituted Christian community, filled with divine life and power, inaugurates the Lord’s Day, understood as salvation for all who believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ. The Epistle for Vigil Mass from Romans (8:22-27), the Holy Spirit deep within moves us to pray. Acknowledging that we do not know how to pray is the first step in obtaining the help of the Holy Spirit in prayer. After the resurrection, Jesus appeared to the Apostles, wished them peace, breathed on them, and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (Jn 20:19-23).

We received the Holy Spirit at our Baptism and were strengthened by the Sacrament of Confirmation by the laying of hands. The anointing of the Holy Spirit takes place within us when we eagerly ask for it. Sometimes we may attempt to think that it is for the saintly people. Anointing of the Holy Spirit is for all of us to grow in holiness. Jesus promised the apostles an advocate, a helper. When they received the Holy Spirit, it changed their lives; they were freed from fear. They went out to the street and proclaimed the Good News. We are the missionary disciples who are sent out to proclaim the good news. It may be our homes, our neighborhood, our workplace, and our son. Suppose you didn't see your friend at Mass, do you feel the need to call? “Do you miss them?” Pentecost reminds us to ask the Holy Spirit to inspire us to reach out to others, as we are sent out to evangelize.

New Pastor: REV. RAJANNA BIRUSU will be here on July 1st. As our cluster prepares to invite new pastor, we need to prepare a comfortable place for him to stay. Our rectory needs a new heating system. Please consider donating   towards this project and other project, and prepare to welcome Fr. Rajanna. Thank you!