Each time something ends, there is also a new beginning; we just need to be aware of what is happening around us to realize it! Sometimes, we can get lost in our feelings over the ending and miss out on what is right before us.
Thankfully, this was not the case for the Mary and the Apostles on that first Pentecost morning. The Apostles were coming to an end of their time of confusion and fear when the Holy Spirit descended upon them. We all know what happened next – the Church was born!
Think about this. The Apostles already had the power and knowledge of what Jesus had taught them. The Holy Spirit simply released what they already possessed. The same could also be said of us: through our Baptism, we have been given all we need spread the life of the Church. But do we really take advantage of the power that is within us?
We can come up with so many excuses and can get ourselves stuck in the season we just finished – Easter. Do I believe that, like the Apostles, the Holy Spirit releases the greatness we have within? It has been there all the time! We can set the world on fire, just like the Apostles did after that first Pentecost. We need to remember that God is always with us, urging us to use the gifts and talents we have to build up the Church.
Pope Francis also tells us how we can share the power within. In a recent homily, Pope Francis said “Peace I leave with you! Jesus Demonstrates that meekness is possible. He incarnated it precisely in the most difficult moment, and he wants us to behave in that way too, since we are the heirs of his peace. He wants us to be meek, open, available to listen, capable of defusing tensions and weaving harmony. This is witnessing to Jesus and is worth more than a thousand words and many sermons. The witness of Peace.”
What gifts and talents do you have that you might be holding back on?
How can you help to build up the Church, your parish, your co-workers, your family?
Take some time to reflect on what strengths and gifts you possess that could be used for bringing faith alive and on fire in others. Look for new beginnings, they are right before you. Then put them into ACTION!
Till next week,
Sister Theresita
