Happy Pentecost Sunday

Pentecost Sunday marks the 50th day since Easter and ends the liturgical season of Easter. Pentecostal Sunday also marks the beginning of the Church when Jesus commissioned his apostles to continue his work on earth. Here is today’s Gospel reading:

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “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. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”

The Holy Spirit helps move us to transformation into Christ. When Jesus breathed on the disciples the received the Holy Spirit just as we receive the Holy Spirit at baptism. We receive the fullness of the gifts of the Holy Spirit when we are confirmed into the church. The Holy Spirit guides us, is merciful, and eventually if we are open to the spirit, will transform us into Christ. I know for me the biggest impediment to my relationship with God and the Holy Spirit is …..me. This week be open to where the spirit will lead you. We already know the direction He wants to take us – and that is towards Christ. I can’t think of a better destination in my life.

God Bless