Pentecost Sunday
In our reading, the disciples were in a room by themselves. There was a strong wind that filled the house, tongues of fire rested on each of them, they were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in other languages and others oucld understand them.
In our Gospel, the disciples were in a room by themselves because they were afraid of those who crucified Jesus. Jesus came bringing them peace. Then he breathed on the disciples and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of anyone, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
We, too, are called to forgive others. How peaceful it is to experience forgiveness for others, and to be forgiven. That is a gift of the Holy Spirit.
7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Simplified)
The spirit brought 7 gifts to help the disciples and us to spread the message of Jesus. These will help you to be peaceful:
Wisdom - capacity to love spiritual things more than material ones
Understanding - we realize how we need to live as followers of Christ
Counsel - know the difference between right and wrong, and we choose to do what is right.
Fortitude (Courage) - willing to stand up for what is right in the sight of God
Knowledge - we understand the meaning of God
Piety (Reverence) - we have a deep sense of respect for God and the Church
Fear of the Lord (wonder and Awe) - we are aware of the glory and majesty of God
12 Fruits of the Holy Spirit
Charity – toward others in need of help
Joy - true happiness especially in hard times
Peace – in all things
Patience – with yourself and others
Kindness – doing something and not expecting anything in return
Goodness – thinking of others
Generosity – giving freely to those in need
Gentleness – to all of God’s creatures
Faithfulness – following God’s plan always
Modesty – living without more than we need
Self-control – restraint of your own emotions and desires
Chastity - pure
Special Saint: St. Felix of Cantalice – May 16th
Felix was born in Italy in 1515. His parents were poor peasants and Felix worked as a shepherd and as a farm laborer when he was a boy. He attended mass daily and he prayed continually while he worked in the fields.
Felix joined the Capuchins in Anticoli and became Brother Felix. He became a model of prayer and penance, humility and charity. He went to the Capuchin monastery in Rome where he spent his life helping to support his community by traveling through nearby towns and asking for donations.
Brother Felix had permission to use some of the donations he collected to help the poor and sick people he met each day.
Brother Felix died on May 18, 1587 at 72 years old.
St. Felix teaches us that we can be united to God in any place and at any time. Whether we find ourselves in a quiet church or on a busy street, we can always raise our minds and hearts to God.