Father Bill says...for Pentecost Sunday

Pentecost Sunday

My week began with the annual Spring meeting for the priests of my diocese, the Diocese of Ogdensburg – a rather unique one this year – since the meeting was led by our new Bishop, who is one of own, a priest of our diocese, Bishop LaValley. Each year, we have the opportunity to spend time together – and have one evening dedicated to celebrating our Jubilarians, with a Mass and a banquet. Besides this, there is a program – a priest who is on the staff of the Episcopal Council for the United States, spoke to us of the coming reworking of the prayers and rituals of our liturgies and Mass. It involves mostly the various prayers of the Mass – but many of you will find it rather different – but don’t worry for a while - it will not be put into use for another year.

Then I went with the Eighth Grade class at our St. Mary’s School and their teachers and parents on a Whale Watch to Glouchester, Massachusetts – it was quite an adventure – we did see many whales – but I received a rather extensive education watching these youngsters interact for two days. Actually, I was rather impressed with these young people – and how they got along with each other. I also enjoyed the trip, the food and the sighting of so many whales. Truly I had fun – lots of sun and some lobster - but I must admit I was happy to get back to my quiet home.


Pentecost Sunday

The Gospel reading for Pentecost Sunday again comes from Jesus’ Discourse at the Last Supper - John 14. Jesus promises his apostles that he will send the Holy Spirit – “I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.”

The Holy Spirit is to be an Advocate – “one called alongside” – one called alongside to help in a legal situation – an attorney – Jesus is going to be crucified and die – in the eyes of the world he will be judged, found guilty, and convicted – after his death – the Advocate will come and reverse the sentence by convicting the world and proving Jesus’ innocence. The Advocate will show that Jesus did not sin; rather the world sinned by not believing in him. The proof – he is not in the grave but lives – has risen – and is now with the Father – the judgment that put him to death did not defeat him.

Another role for the Advocate – sometimes those who suffer or are lonely need to call in someone to console and comfort them. Jesus’ disciples are sorrowful because he is departing – so Jesus promises the Spirit – someone just like Jesus is coming to take his place.

Jesus then adds – “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him – and he will come and make our dwelling with him.”

The reading from the Acts of the Apostles at the Pentecost Mass tells us what happened – the frightened apostles receive the Holy Spirit – in wind and fire – and become bold and courageous to begin preaching and teaching and bringing people to the Lord.

Each of us has received the Holy Spirit in Baptism and Confirmation – and each time we come to the Eucharist – the Holy Spirit comes to us – with the Father and the Son – to live within our hearts – to be with us always – to guide and show us the way to making our lives better and our world more filled with the Spirit.

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – send the Spirit into my heart – as the apostles received the Holy Spirit on that first Pentecost – transform me in courage and boldness that I may truly bring your love and peace – your message to all those that I meet. This is my prayer. Amen.

Please join me as we say together the Lord’s Prayer.