June 8th Pastor's Message
- Communications AllSaints
- Jun 6
- 2 min read
Read this week's message from Father Don
Dear friends,
One of the things we discover as we grow older is that there are many things in life that we cannot deal with on our own. We need help. We need teachers, friends, and family to help us. But sometimes even they are not enough. We need God’s help.
This weekend we celebrate Pentecost, the great feast of the Holy Spirit. I like to think of the Holy Spirit as “God the Helper.” He is the God who comes to assist us, to lift our hearts, strengthen our wills, and enlighten our minds.
The Holy Spirit works in the life of every person, slowly moving them toward greater love and spiritual maturity. He is flexible and infinitely creative. He works when and as he can, not confining himself to the structures of the Catholic faith, beneficial as these might be. Of him it may truly be said, he meets people “where they are at.”
Recently I have adopted the practice of calling upon the Holy Spirit in every situation I face - “Spirit of God, what do you want me to do in this situation?” This not only relieves the burden of trying to figure out everything on my own but provides me with concrete practical direction. Simply asking the question is often sufficient to show me what I need to do.
When I am getting frustrated and annoyed, the Spirit reminds me to calm down and leave things in his hands. When I have spoken harshly to someone, the Spirit reminds me to apologize and intentionally affirm them. When the disorders of the world get me down, the Spirit reminds me to thank God for all the blessings of my life.
In addition to reminding me of what I ought to be doing, the Spirit gives me the strength to do it. Clearly I often fail to listen to his promptings and do what he proposes, but even so the practice of calling upon him throughout the day, changes the way I live my life. I suggest you try it.
Lord, send forth your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth. (Ps. 104)
Happy Pentecost to all of my lovely parishioners!
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