It’s no accident that the Holy Spirit is depicted as tongues of fire and a strong driving wind in today’s first reading. The fire represents the zeal with which our hearts should burn as we live out our lives of faith. The wind continues to fan the flames of that zeal, and spurs us on to be witnesses to Christ, and to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel to the world.
We are challenged today to ask ourselves if our hearts burn for Christ. Do we allow the Spirit to guide us to give witness to our Faith, just as the Apostles did? Do we recognize and use the gifts that we have been given by the Spirit for that purpose?
If we find ourselves struggling or falling short, this feast of Pentecost is a perfect time for each one of us to ask the Lord to renew his gift of the Spirit in us, and to ask that we might be given the grace to allow the spirit to guide us in our work as disciples of Christ.
I hope that you will join us in prayer on May 27, as we celebrate a Mass to pray for the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to also pray for all who have been impacted by the prolonged isolation that the pandemic has caused. This Mass has been requested by Bishop Fabbro, so we join our prayers to those being offered throughout the Diocese of London for these intentions.
I also want to let you know that we are monitoring the implementation of the latest reopening guidelines set out by the Province of Ontario. At this point, there is no clear date indicated for when Churches will be allowed to reopen. We will continue to monitor the implementation of the reopening plan, as well as any guidance that comes from the Diocese relative to the status of Churches. As soon as the plans become clearer, we will be sure to communicate that information with you.
I hope you all have a blessed celebration of Pentecost, and May the Lord send out his Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.
In Christ,
Fr. Steven Huber, CSB