2025/06/08 SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
Pentecost Sunday
- Erika Wenson, Communications Associate
Pentecost is one of my favorite Church holidays of the year. It’s a time where we can celebrate and reflect on everything The Church has accomplished since Christ’s Asension back to heaven. Last week, at all school Mass, Father Peter asked the students why Jesus had to go back to heaven to be with the Father, and their answers gave so much hope in the future generations of believers. One Second Grade student confidently replied, “Jesus had to leave so He then could be with all of us all the time”. Such a simple, but profound response. That’s what the Holy Spirit can do for us each day if we call upon it for help. How incredible is that gift? It is something I surely don’t take for granted.
My favorite passage shared this weekend comes from the second reading from Paul to the Corinthians:
“Brothers and sisters:
No one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.
There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit;
there are different forms of service but the same Lord;
there are different workings but the same God
who produces all of them in everyone.
To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit
is given for some benefit.
As a body is one though it has many parts,
and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body,
so also Christ.
For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body,
whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons,
and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.”
When I read this passage, I envision the entire body of Christ’s Church throughout history and the world today. How magnificently diverse and beautiful is it that people from all around the world throughout time have come to know our risen Savior and have experienced the power and conviction of the Holy Spirit! Take you and me for instance: We are totally different people, created by our loving Father, each blessed by Him with our own special gifts and talents. It is our life’s treasure that we get to discover and share those gifts we have been given by the Spirit with others to help bring more people to faith.
Some of you may be reading this wondering what your gifts and talents are. Maybe you’re unsure which job to accept, what field to enter after graduation, or you’ve felt a quiet nudge to find a deeper, faith-filled community of friends but don’t quite know where to start. I encourage you to carve out just 10 minutes of quiet time—and call upon the Holy Spirit for guidance. As the passage above reminds us, the Holy Spirit may speak to you through words, images, instincts, or even a deep inner peace. And know this: the Holy Spirit is not only with you, but is actively working for you, gently guiding your steps and shaping your journey for your greater good—even when the way forward seems unclear. Trust that He’s already preparing the way. You might be surprised what He has to say to you!