May 28, 2010
Reflection
Pentecost every day!
Zoe Cannon reads a petition in English as Ellen Street signs for the hearing impaired during the Mass on Pentecost at Sacred Heart Church in Vincennes. Click for a larger version.
By ZOE CANNON (Vincennes)
“And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were.“ This verse from Acts 2:1 is speaking about the first Pentecost, but it almost describes the scene at my house last Friday afternoon as a storm rushed through my neighborhood. Thank goodness tongues of fire did not follow, but I know the Holy Spirit heard our prayers, as my son and I bumped into one another frantically wondering what to do while the wind began taking down tree limbs and pelting the house with hail.
We knew a storm was coming, but we had no idea of the intensity this wind was packing. It only lasted a few powerful minutes, but the damage was incredible. One may have thought we were trying to camouflage our house by the plastering of leaves and debris on the siding and windows. The day before, we had worked hard outside and commented on how beautiful the grass and flowers looked. To reward ourselves, we were planning to go to a movie and then have a relaxing evening of conversation on the patio, while we enjoyed the view. Little did we know we would be spending the entire weekend repairing such damage.
I doubt the apostles were prepared, or knew how drastically their plans were going to change with that commanding presence of the first Pentecost. “To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.” 1 Cor. 12 This was certainly true in my neighborhood as we began to check on one another and our properties, once the storm had passed. There was no personal injury, so the damage seemed immaterial. Individual strengths and gifts were certainly appreciated though, as we began the cleanup task.
For the Apostles, Pentecost was all about communicating and serving one another, as my neighbors had done with the storm. At my parish, Sacred Heart, there was a special way to serve one another at our weekend masses for Pentecost. Our Spiritual Life Commission planned to have all the prayers of the faithful read in different languages. Like the Apostles, who spoke in tongues, something incredible began to unfold in our church as well. Just as the power of the Holy Spirit touched the faithful and confused in Jerusalem, I watched our parishioners, as they listened to the different languages being shared with their “cheat sheets” translated in English, from the pews.
One of our parishioners is deaf; I observed the smile on his face as he could “hear” the prayer petition done with American Sign Language.
A father of four from Ec-uador, who recently became a member of our parish, was once a little reticent to communicate with his limited English, but was so proud to read a prayer petition from the ambo in his native Spanish.
German, Latin, Italian, and French were also pronounced with great confidence by volunteers. The power of the Holy Spirit was certainly upon us, giving poise to those who un-derstood the language they were speaking, and a new ap-preciation for those of us who definitely had no idea what was being said.
How often do we think about the significance of the words we speak? Or equally important, the words we fail to share? “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.“ 1 Cor 3:7
Communication is essential in every form. Spoken or unspoken, we can say so much with our actions when we are serving others. Our parish family once took a Pilgrimage to St. Meinrad Archabbey. As we stopped for lunch, our pastor, Father Jason Gries, encouraged us to take a moment and pick someone we did not know to share our meal and conversation with. As we looked beyond our friends, spouses and our comfort zones to find a lunch partner, we began to realize what a great idea it really was to learn something new about the people we share our faith and pews with. How often do we challenge ourselves to use our gifts and make a new friend, or serve someone we do not know?
Scripture also tells us that those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. I love that! Be child-like and your obedience will always be rewarded if you let the Spirit lead you. Pray often for the gifts of the Holy Spirit to guide you, when those disasters happen, or those challenges are presented, you will have the strength and fortitude to handle it all. The Comforter will be there for all the storms in your life, and if you need translation, it will be provided, if you listen with your heart. The reward will be a celebration of Pentecost every day. I love that too! Come Holy Spirit! . . . Amen! . . . Alleluia!