Friends and Neighbors,
The Great 50 Days of Easter comes to a close this Sunday as we celebrate Pentecost. One aspect of Pentecost that seems important right now is speaking the Good News in a way people can understand. That seems more challenging than ever, even if we do speak the same language. I was at Grace Point Camp last week, trying to convey to 4th-6th graders that they are beloved children of God. We all need to hear that message. Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit is in us to guide us in sharing the Good News of God's love right where we are.
I get to share that love in my role as a priest. You have opportunities to share with others that I don't have because so many people have found clergy judgmental and harsh. We can all share how we have found healing, love, and connection in community. Words aren't always necessary when sharing that love. The Spirit gives us all various gifts. It takes the Spirit and your gifts to build a welcoming community.
Wear your red on Sunday as we celebrate Pentecost. Will we hear something in a different way as we tell this story? How can we be open to the Spirit guiding us to use our gifts? How can we as individuals and a community share the love of God in a language people can hear and understand? Those are some thoughts to ponder as we come together for Pentecost.
Let us rejoice in the power of the Spirit!
Peace,
Fr. John Mark