In Acts 20, we find Paul’s farewell speech. He is about to complete his mission among the Gentiles, to finish his two great missionary journeys through Greece and Asia Minor, and he
“was eager to be in Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.” Going to Jerusalem was the same for him as it was for Jesus: it signified his trial and persecution. Similarly, our Pentecost celebration this Sunday is a “
being in Jerusalem”.
We are confirmed in the Spirit not to be timid, fearful, naïve, fateful. … but in the power of the Holy Spirit to be bold, optimistic, faith-filled, prophetic proclaimers of the Good News that the Spirit of the Risen Lord is in and among us. We are called
“with all humility …to testify to the good news of God’s grace”, and to produce good fruits, like Paul,
“captive to the Spirit … not knowing what will happen to me …” We do not know when the coronavirus curve will be flattened, when things will reopen, when we will be able to come back to Church, what the “
new normal” will be. But we do know that it is within us – because the Spirit is within us – to make the changes that will bring us to a fuller life. There are
lessons we have learned.
Not the least among them is the thirst to
develop the gift of gratitude for small favours received. While imprisoned like Paul, we can tap into gratitude for the many gifts in our life and feel called to share words of gratitude and encouragement with others.
I have no idea of what the future might bring. While I expected spending time at home would offer me more time for prayer, I do encounter times when my prayer life feels a bit dry, desolate. Could it be because I lack an attitude of gratitude?
My prayer for all of us in these unsettling times is that we all remember to experience and express gratitude in these challenging times.
God bless and protect us always.
Fr. Brian