Pentecost

Great Feast. Commemorates that event of the Descent of the Holy Spirit.
Down comes the Holy Spirit where the apostles were all gathered in one place.

We experience the coming of the Holy Spirit in our Baptism and Confirmation: We receive the Holy Spirit.

I remember being unimpressed by the Holy Spirit. I remember approaching the altar, and waiting for the amazing thing—but nothing. But just because we don't experience the outward sign, doesn't mean He has not transformed us in a very real way.

It make take a while for us to experience the fruits of the Holy Spirit, but he's there.

A gift, a fruit, an agent.

A gift: piety. Disposes us to have the right understanding of God as Father. God's not a distant bearded man poised to smite. He's a loving father. Our dad's reflect the Love of God as our real Father.

A fruit: Modesty. As a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Summertime is here. We've put away our long winter clothes. Let us not reveal too much. Ladies, you're beautiful. Modesty helps us to esteem the true beauty in another with all purity and all integrity. Dressing modestly accentuates your beauty. Clearly a fruit of the holy spirit. It's not just "wow, she's looking great today" but it draws us into and shows us a reflection of the beauty of God. For guys, too. Look sharp. But also, guard the eyes. He's made us for a tremendous love, and Modesty helps us to love.

A help to get close to the Holy Spirit: The Blessed Mother. The spouse of the Holy Spirit. Because the Holy Spirit overshadowed her, Jesus was conceived in her womb. She will help us, because she wants us closer to her Son. Go to her devoutly, the Holy Rosary, her image, in prayer.

Jesus' Last Words

Well, these are Jesus' last words, sort of. We celebrate the Ascension of the Lord.
He ascends right before their very eyes. It's a unique event in the history of the world.
Right before he ascends, he speaks to them for the last time. Final words are very important.
I remember the last conversation I had with my grandfather. I was with him as his grandson, but also in the capacity of a priest. The last words I heard him say were within the context of the last rites.
Jesus' last words are important. He says three things:
He says make disciples of all the nations; baptize them; teach them to observe all I have commanded you.
First, make disciples of all the nations. A huge responsibility. He authorizes them to make disciples of all the world, not just part, or some of the world. But all the world.
Second, He tells them to baptize them. The Sacramental life of the Church is important. We Baptize, Anoint, god to Confession, participate in the Most Holy Communion, marriage, etc.
Thirdly, he tells them what they need to teach to the people: to observe all Jesus commanded us.

Jesus gives us his Father

Last Sunday it was memorial day weekend.
Jesus gives us encouraging words.
Jesus sounds like my Dad—as he was preparing for James’ graduation.
He expects our love, he expects us to do what he says, he expects to welcome us into his family.
Our Lord shows us how to love. He calls us to a high standard of love.
You love you obey my commands. This plan will be the way. Fulfill my commandments. It’s so worth fulfilling this plan.
“If you love me, my father will loves.”
Our Lord says something very encouraging, he says “I will not leave you orphans.” If you love me my father will love you.
God becomes Our Father.
Divine filiation.
This is the great plan. We become God’s children.
A shout-out to our fallen heroes. They show us how to love with great devotion.

No one comes to the Father except through me.

Does no one mean no one?

What about people who didn't know Jesus?

Baptism is the only ordinary way. If there is another, extraordinary way, God alone knows it.
Is God bound by his Sacraments? God has bound salvation to his Sacraments, but he himself is not bound.

Jesus' Mission Statement

"I came that they might have life and have it more abundantly."

This mission is serious, worthy, vital.

It's serious because it meant the Lord shedding his own blood. It's worthy, because God himself endorsed it. It's vital because it reminds us to keep our hopes set on the life that only God can give us.

Enhanced Interrogation Techniques on the way to Emmaus

He permits the prevention of their recognizing him.
He feigns not to know what happened in Jerusalem.
He pretends to be going on farther down the road.

All of this only to reveal himself in the breaking of the bread.

So, just because we may be having a hard time coming to terms with the resurrection, doesn't mean he didn't rise.
Just because we're having a hard time understanding that the scriptures reveal God's masterpiece-of-a-plan for our peace and happiness, doesn't mean they don't make sense.
Just because there are times when God looks to be abandoning us, doesn't mean that all he's waiting for is for us to urge him to "stay with us."

And in the Eucharist, he does just that.

The Resurrection

The Joy of the Resurrection Renews the Whole World.

It changes how we celebrate, how we face adversity, and how we live our daily lives.

We celebrate not just a day, not just an octave, not just a season, not just every Sunday—but forever. For now, let's start with the Octave.

Facing adversity becomes a chance to reflect joy. JP II is a great example, especially how he discovered his own vocation amidst the trials of Nazism and Communism.

Everyday life is filled with new meaning. The ordinary pursuit of normal tasks takes on a new dimension in the face of the risen Christ.

The resurrection is the ultimate game-changer.

The Joy of the Resurrection Renews the Whole World.