I. The Spirit Breathes On You: In today’s Gospel of John, Jesus gives the gift of the Holy Spirit by “breathing” on the disciples. In the first and second readings we see the effects of the Spirit. In the first reading (Acts 2:1-11) and second reading (1 Corinthians 12: 3B-7,12-13), the apostles proclaim “the mighty acts of God” to “Jews from every nation under heaven,” and yet, through the power of the Holy Spirit each person hears the message in his/her own native language. In the second reading we hear a listing of the many gifts the Holy Spirit confers upon us. From these two readings we see that the Spirit’s work is universal and also particular. The Spirit works within the community to draw people from every nation together in praising God. But the Spirit also works within us individually by giving gifts that are to be used to build up the kingdom of God here on earth. The action of the Holy Spirit enables the followers of Jesus to carry on Jesus mission, “as the Father has sent me, so I sent you.”
II. Do I Encourage, Lift Up People? Together with St. Paul, Barnabas extended the missionary efforts of the Church beyond Jerusalem to Antioch, and after much success moved on to other places throughout Asia Minor. After parting ways with St. Paul over issues regarding circumcision and the Mosaic law, Barnabas embarked on other missionary journeys with John and Mark. The word Barnabas means “son of encouragement.” Do people see me as someone who lifts up and encourages others, or someone who denigrates and put down my neighbor? You are invited to celebrate Mass on Tuesday, June 11 at 7:00am or 12:05pm to honor this “encouraging” saint.
EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE on Christian Hospitality
Am I a welcoming person?
Is there room in my life for others or am I too busy?
Do I extend the welcoming gesture, the warm smile?
Do I hear with my heart as well as with my head?
Do I go out of my way even when it is not convenient to do so?
Do I work on my own spiritual development?
Am I open to full, conscious, active participation at worship and in parish activities?
Do I make an effort to encounter Jesus Christ in the people with whom I work, play, and worship?
Am I a promoter of social justice?
Based on an examination of conscience by Sherry Bitsche
Sequence—Veni, Sancte Spiritus
Come, Holy Spirit, come!
And from your celestial home
Shed a ray of light divine!
Come, Father of the poor!
Come, source of all our store!
Come, within our bosoms shine.
You, of comforters the best;
You, the soul’s most welcome guest;
Sweet refreshment here below;
In our labor, rest most sweet;
Grateful coolness in the heat;
Solace in the midst of woe.
O most blessed Light divine,
Shine within these hearts of yours,
And our inmost being fill!
Where you are not, we have naught,
Nothing good in deed or thought,
Nothing free from taint of ill.
Heal our wounds, our strength renew;
On our dryness pour your dew;
Wash the stains of guilt away:
Bend the stubborn heart and will;
Melt the frozen, warm the chill;
Guide the steps that go astray.
On the faithful, who adore
And confess you, evermore
In your sevenfold gift descend;
Give them virtue’s sure reward;
Give them your salvation, Lord;
Give them joys that never end.
Amen. Alleluia.