June Thoughts

 Dear brothers and sisters in Christ.

This year, June 8 is the Feast of Pentecost. We all know the story.  How God, the Holy Spirit, came down from Heaven and set upon the Apostles like tongues of fire. There is a bit more for us to think about in this Feast. The Apostles were still in Jerusalem in the Upper Room, where they wanted to stay. Christ had ascended into Heaven, and they were alone, and I would think quite a bit afraid. God, though, had great plans for them.

To get an idea of God’s plan, we must look into the Jewish faith. Judaism is a birthright religion; it is passed from mother to the child. It is not part of the Jewish faith to go out and actively seek converts. If your mother is Jewish, you are Jewish. Yes, people do convert, but it starts with their action, not the action of the Jewish faith.

Remember, the Apostles were all Jewish, Christ had gone into Heaven, and they were alone. The last thing they wanted was to call attention to themselves. God, though, had other plans. After the Holy Spirit came upon the Apostles, they went out and proclaimed the Good News of Jesus the Christ. Not only did they speak in Jerusalem but throughout the known world. Peter to Rome, Mark to North Africa, and Thomas to India, all to spread the Good News of Christ. Through their actions, thousands were converted to believe in Christ as the Messiah, the Son of God. You and I are Christians because of the action of the Apostles, and because of God the Holy Spirit changing their lives. May we listen to the voice of God, the Holy Spirit, and allow Him to work in us and change our lives.

Yours in Christ

Fr. Glenn.