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(Archived 5/31/2009)
PENTECOST—2009
Dear Parishioners,
We have had a rich celebration of the 50 days of Easter. I would like to especially thank the Music Ministry and Mark Mellis (who took over leadership this year) for keeping our Easter joy sustained in the liturgy. And many thanks to all our liturgical ministers for ministering to the 90 days of Lent/Easter in such a way that our community was hopefully truly transformed.
In the scriptures we find the followers of Jesus behind locked doors as the account of Pentecost unfolds, with no hope and afraid. But Jesus says, “Peace,” and now the doors must be opened. He send us again on this Pentecost, not to seek revenge for past offenses, but to practice forgiveness. In a world that clutches and hangs on to past hurts and looks for ways to get even, Jesus sends out his disciples to practice forgiveness.
Jesus doesn’t tell his disciples to lay low, go into protective move and look to their self-preservation. He doesn’t want to be an antique collector, with museum-piece followers. He doesn’t want a church with doors locked to newcomers—those who come from different cultures or bring new ideas. He doesn’t want a community that locks the doors, huddles together, prays, gets along with one another, keeps safe and waits for his eventual return.
Instead Jesus sends us out into the very world that frightens to live his life and practice what he practiced—starting with forgiveness—welcoming the outsiders, noticing the overlooked and neglected; speaking up for those who are wronged and have no voice and caring for the needy. Jesus gives them and us his Spirit: the source of his life; the force that energized him and the strength that enabled him to say and do what he said and did. He says to us, “Peace,” and breathes his Spirit into us at this Eucharist, and we respond, “Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of thy faithful and kindle in them the fire of thy divine love.
Pax Christi!
Fr. Scott
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