 Vol. IV no 20 |
May 19, 2010 Catholic Church |
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The Holy Spirit at work today — |
The Holy Spirit at work today
The feast of Pentecost, which we will celebrate this Sunday, marks the first public proclamation of the Good News that Christ is risen. As Luke points out in his Gospel, Jesus became the focal point of those men and women who — gathered in Jerusalem from every nation and speaking every language — were drawn to hear the message of the Apostles. The Holy Spirit had indeed given the Apostles the courage to speak out and to bear witness to the fact that God’s love, which raised Jesus from the dead, embodies the fullness of life, which is offered to everyone.
In the same way that each listener felt called and personally touched by the Gospel message, regardless of where they were from, isn’t our own faith based upon similar experience — unique and personal? But this motley crowd also proclaimed that faith originates and is nurtured within community. The life of faith must be shared with others so that, through encounter and dialogue, it will be enriched, clarified and confirmed. This community of believers, the disciples of Christ, is the Church, called by the Lord to be a sign of his people, whom he gathers from every nation.
The Holy Spirit, who gave birth to the Church on Pentecost, is still at work today. This Sunday’s Gospel passage recalls the promise Jesus had made: the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in his name, will teach us everything and will remind us of all he has said (Jn 14:26). I have asked myself the following question: What are the teachings of Jesus that the Spirit has kept alive and operative? Surely, we all agree that there are many; they fill the Gospels. However, I have focused on several that can serve as a basis of our approach as we strive to be Church in the world today. I offer my reflection on five of these teachings. They concern: God’s revelation, fraternal life, relationship with others, power of faith, and courage to live the mission.
Jesus revealed God to us as a Father who not only lovingly and mercifully looks upon us, his people, but also upon all humankind. Jesus revealed this image of God by welcoming sinners, as is illustrated in the parable of the Prodigal Son (Lk 15:11-32). We can only be the Church if we have faith in God’s infinite love.
Jesus invited us to love one another as he loves us (Jn 13:35). This form of love shows that we belong to Christ. This is the sign that we, being Church members, must offer the world. It must be expressed humbly, since putting love in action means contending with the many frailties of human nature. We must, therefore, always keep focused on God’s love for us.
Jesus invites us to be the good neighbour and not wait for others to act first. The parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk 10:25-37) reveals that, in so doing, we offer living proof of God’s mercy.
Jesus reminds us to trust in the power of faith, even though we might feel that our faith is weak or insufficient (Lk 17:5-6). Living in a world that eschews religious expressions, we must find within our faith the strength to live in hope while making this world a better place.
Finally, Jesus asks us to persevere in our mission, to set out into deep waters (Lk 5:1-11), to enter into dialogue with the men and women with whom we live in civil society, to sow the Good News when confronted by challenges and difficult situations.
On the feast of Pentecost, it is my hope that the Holy Spirit will stir within our Church gusts of joy, courage and hope, so that we might be truthful, authentic witnesses to the Gospel.
† Jean-Claude Turcotte
Archbishop of Montréal
Diaconal Ordinations
We are pleased to announce that Mr. Gaétan MATTEAU and Mr. Mikel Joël SAAVEDRA VALENCIA, acolytes of the diocese of Montréal will be ordained deacons, and that Mr. Benoît THIBAULT, acolyte of the diocese of Montréal will be ordained permanent deacon.
These ordinations will take place at the Cathedral of Montréal, on Friday, May 21, 2010, at 7.30 p.m. and will be presided at by His Eminence Jean-Claude Cardinal Turcotte, Archbishop of Montréal.
Warm welcome!Fr. Benoît-Marc Boyer,
Vice-chancellor,
May 7, 2010
Upcoming Events
Diocesan Eucharistic Week
From Sunday May 30 to Sunday June 6, 2010
Diocesan Feast Day
May 31, 2010, at 7:30 p.m.
Mary Queen of the World Cathedral
