We hear once again the powerful account from the Acts of the Apostles of the Holy Spirit descending upon the disciples like a driving wind and tongues of fire. Fearful and uncertain men were transformed into bold witnesses of the Gospel. In the Gospel of John, the risen Jesus enters the locked room where the disciples are hiding and speaks the words they desperately needed to hear: “Peace be with you.” Then He breathes upon them and gives them the Holy Spirit. Pentecost reminds us that the Church was not born from human effort or clever planning, but from the very breath and power of God. The same Spirit poured out upon the apostles has been given to us in Baptism and strengthened within us through Confirmation. We are not meant to keep the faith locked away behind closed doors, but to live it courageously in our homes, our workplaces, and our community.
The gift of the Holy Spirit is not reserved only for extraordinary saints or dramatic moments. The Spirit works quietly and faithfully in everyday lives giving wisdom when we are uncertain, courage when we are afraid, forgiveness when relationships are wounded, and hope when the world feels burdened by division and anxiety. Pentecost calls each of us to ask whether we truly allow the Spirit room to move within our hearts. Do our words bring peace? Do our actions reflect the mercy of Christ? Are we willing to let God use us for His purpose? As we celebrate this feast, may we pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon our parish and our families. May the fire of Pentecost renew our hearts and help us become joyful witnesses to the risen Lord.
This last week, thank you to Fr. Zach Samples for his work to build vocations for our diocese and informing us about the Good Shepherd Society. I hope you support the endeavor of helping to educate future priests for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. I am celebrating today, May 24, my anniversary of ordination. It has been 12 years that I have been ordained a priest. What a wild ride. Keep praying for me! Also, we give thanks to God for now Deacon Padrick Mulligan, who was ordained a transitional deacon on Friday, May 22 for service to our diocese on the path to priesthood next year, God willing!
In the next two weekends, I hope you take the opportunity to complete the short survey from Communio. We are beginning this wonderful endeavor with the support of the Tracy Family Foundation. This is an initiative they encourage to help strengthen marriages and families. This survey is very brief, only takes about two minutes, and helps Communio to get a better handle on how to support the needs of marriages and families in our parish.
Later this week, I will be away for a few days. A family that I am close with from one of my previous assignments is taking me on a cruise. I have never been on a cruise, and I am grateful to them for bringing me along for the trip and to say Mass for them over the weekend. I will miss you for a few days, but I pray you will be patient as I take a short break to recharge. Father Ken will be around to take care of anything you may need while I am gone.
Lastly, congratulations to all the graduates from our parish and Quincy community: St. Francis Solanus eighth graders, eighth graders from other schools, Quincy Notre Dame High School Seniors, Quincy High School Seniors, Quincy University, or any other graduates from many other places, including the last Arisman, Avery, from Sacred Heart Griffin High School. Many prayers as you ponder what is ahead and go forth to make us proud and spread the Gospel.
Father Arisman