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We celebrate that the Holy Spirit is the Soul of the Church, Christ’s
Body. The Spirit keeps the Church alive and vibrant, relevant and true,
life-giving and life-bearing, compassionate and courageous, faithful
and Christ-centered, bold and prophetic, confident and unafraid. The
Holy Spirit keeps the Church infallible about Christ’s teachings
and indispensable in resolving life’s deepest questions.
The Spirit makes
the diversity of the Church practical and the unity of the Church unmistakable.
The Spirit makes community possible and the “isms” that
divide, unacceptable. The Spirit leads us to the Truth and the Truth
makes us free to love and lead others.
Pentecost is a celebration
of life-- supernatural life, the life of the Church, the life of the
individual Christian. The Spirit, who is Holy and Righteous, compels
us to reject sin and to embark on the path toward justice by opposing
our pride, exposing our fears, confronting our hypocrisy, challenging
our indifference, perfecting our worship and anointing our prayers.
Working through ordinary things (e.g., the Sacraments) and everyday
people, the Holy Spirit carries out the extraordinary work of God.
With special attention
to our youth being confirmed this weekend and to those baptized and
confirmed at Easter, we make that ancient prayer: Breathe
in me Holy Spirit, that all my thoughts may be holy; act
in me Holy Spirit, that my work may also be holy; Fill
my heart Holy Spirit, that I may love only what is holy; strengthen
me Holy Spirit, ever to defend what is holy; Guard
me always Holy Spirit, that I may ever remain holy. In my last
hour call me Holy Spirit, to enjoy the holiness of
heaven forever! Amen.
He is in a position
of authority! Not only has our Savior not
left us, he is more intimately involved in every aspect of daily operations
than ever! He is our friend and he is in charge. That’s
why today is going to be a good day!
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