Pentecost Sunday, Cycle C

Today, Pentecost Sunday, is the birthday of the Church. Today we celebrate the reception of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we mark the visible manifestation of the New Covenant, and the birth of the public life of the church.

The Holy Spirit dominates our readings today. The first reading from the Acts of The Apostles reveals the  unifying power of the Holy Spirit. People were coming from many foreign places, yet each heard the message in their own native tongue. It was a miracle. It was a call for the church to be a sign of human unity, not limited by any racial, cultural, or language barriers.

In Baptism, we receive seven special gifts of the Holy Spirit. The gifts are Wisdom, Understanding, Right Judgment, Courage, Knowledge, Reverence, and finally Wonder and Awe. These gifts are freely given to us to help us live as followers of Jesus and to build up the Body of Christ which is the Church. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are sealed and strengthened within us at Confirmation. These seven gifts help us to make good choices, and to serve God and others. When we cooperate with the graces and gifts we receive from the Holy Spirit, we grow as followers of Jesus.

We see the effect of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives in the special qualities and attitudes that we  develop as we grow in faith. The Church identifies these qualities and attitudes as the fruits of the Holy Spirit. The twelve fruits of the Holy Spirit are signs that the Holy Spirit is alive within us and helping us live the  Catholic faith in our daily lives. Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Generosity, Gentleness, Faithfulness, Modesty, Self-Control, and Chastity.

What amazing gifts we have received! What amazing fruits grow out of these gifts if we just accept the gifts willingly and allow them to lead us and guide us. Our spiritual life and well-being depends on the Holy Spirit. It’s impossible to live a Christian life without the Holy Spirit. God has sent the Spirit into our lives to assist us in becoming all that He intended us to be. The Holy Spirit is a vital part of our life!

Here’s a simple three-minute prayer that can help make the Holy Trinity come alive in your life. Consider  doing it each evening before you go to sleep.

During the first minute, pick out a high point from the day, something good that happened. Like keeping calm when someone was shouting and terribly upset. Then speak to God the Father about it, giving thanks for the grace to remain calm.

During the second minute, pick a low point in your day; something bad that happened. Like ignoring someone that needed help or losing your patience with someone. Then speak to Jesus about it and ask him to forgive you for this failure.

During the third minute, look ahead to tomorrow to some critical point. Like having to confront someone or having to deal with a difficult situation. Then speak to the Holy Spirit asking him for the wisdom, compassion, and courage to deal with it in a loving manner.

And finally end your three-minute reflection with this beautiful prayer:

Breathe into me, Spirit of God, that I may think what is holy.

Drive me, Spirit of God, that I may do what is holy.

Draw me, Spirit of God, that I may love what is holy.

Strengthen me Spirit of God that I may preserve what is holy.

Guide me Spirit of God, that I may never lose what is holy.

Amen

God bless you.

Deacon Anthony Cioe

2025 APPEAL

This year’s theme: “Our Journey United in Hope,” is inspired by the theme of the Jubilee Year, “Pilgrims of Hope.”

 It reflects our collective commitment to walk on the path together with the hope Christ has provided us.

It invites us to be renewed in hope by bringing hope to others through individual gifts. Through our various ministries across the diocese your gift is shared and brings comfort, relief, encouragement and support to many.

Next weekend, February 8^th & 9^th, we will be holding our Catholic Ministries Appeal In-Pew Weekend. In preparation, you should receive a mailing from Bishop Sullivan that will include the 2025 South Jersey Catholic Ministries Appeal materials. I ask that you please consider donating to this year’s campaign. It is important that we come together to support our ministries. They need the resources necessary to continue serving those in need.

By supporting the Catholic Ministries Appeal, you are supporting those who comprise the programs and ministries of the Diocese of Camden. These ministries serve the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the hungry and challenged. When we support the Catholic Ministries Appeal, we can bring the light of hope to those in the Catholic community of South Jersey.

Please prayerfully consider joining us once again.