Sunday Reflections

This Sunday’s readings might be the most consequential to our spiritual growth and development.  And yet they also tell a story that we often forget to consider when living out our daily lives.  What a paradox.  Let’s think about this.

First, the importance of this Sunday’s message is reflected in all three readings speaking to different aspects of the same theme.  The first reading paints a vivid picture of what happened when the Spirit appears over the heads of the apostles, followed by what was heard through their gift of tongues.  The second reading reminds us, that service to others involves many gifts.  The gospel repeats one of the most important and often used phrases when speaking of our love of another, “peace be with you” and the specific charge we are all given, evangelization.

Imagine how impactful the scene of the first reading must have been for not only the Apostles who witnessed both a strong driving wind inside the room and tongues of fire appearing over their heads.  Then follow this up with how the apostles felt having the gift of tongues they used in speaking many different languages to those gathered.  What happened when the Apostles were locked inside the room is something that probably we will never experience.  But although few of us, unlike the Apostles, will experience the gift of tongues, how often do we say or do something, that in hindsight we wonder where that came from?  How is it that I used a gift, I didn’t know I had or wondered why I used it in a particular circumstance.  Is it Spirit inspired?

The second reading provides a specific challenge to each of us.  The first part of this challenge is the identification of what our gift(s) are.  How will I proactively identify my gifts?  What is the role of prayer in this task?  But more than just knowing what my gifts are, we are called to use them in service to others.  This is a tall order, but we are not alone in both identifying and living out our gifts.

Finally, the gospel identifies for each of us a daunting task, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”  We have been given a clear mandate.  A directive for which we will be accountable for on our day of judgement.  But we have an advocate.  The Spirit is available 24-7.  Let us pray for the grace to always remember, to ask for, and to acknowledge the Spirit’s support.