Today we celebrate the glorious feast of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promised would be with us to the end of time as our Advocate, descended on the apostles in the form of tongues of fire.  If we remember the Baptism of Jesus, the Spirit was the form of a dove. It would seem strange that now the Spirit manifests himself in a different manner.  But in reality, this form of appearance makes perfect sense.

Fire both brings light and makes things move with more energy while at the same time it purifies most things with which it makes contact.  This is what happened to the apostles on that first Pentecost Sunday.  The presence of the Holy Spirit enlightened the Apostles so that they could be understood by all who heard them, even though there were many nations present.  The Spirit purified the Apostles of the fear that hindered them from proclaiming the resurrection of Christ, and impelled them to go forth and preach, buoying new spirits with the courage necessary to be faithful witnesses of the Good News.
We too have received the Holy Spirit in Baptism and Confirmation and with the Spirit, the gifts which help us to bring Christ to others.  St. Paul writes to the people of Corinth: “For each person, the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”  What are the gifts I possess that I can share to bring other to Jesus?

This weekend we also celebrate Memorial Day when we pay special tribute to those who have given the supreme sacrifice for the freedom we enjoy as a nation.  As we begin the summer season with cookouts and festivities, let us not forget that freedom comes with a very dear price and thus should not be allowed to be tossed away lightly.  Let us thank God for the men and women who fought for us, as well as those who continue to fight for freedom.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!