For the last ten days the Church has lived a time of devotion and expectation of the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday (May 24). Over the years I have lived this devotion in different ways, like special spiritual reading, reflections on what the saints have to say about our relationship with the Holy Spirit, as well as more attention in the liturgical prayers of the Mass and Breviary (prayer book of the Church, prayed each day by the clerics and religious). All of these devotions are good and indeed helpful for planning and preparation of the Paraclete’s presence (and presents…gifts). Yet this year I decided to live a more passive approach; for every year I can remember this period of preparation has actually been a disturbing reminder of my limitations and inadequacies for what I am called to do. In fact, I am reminded that I am basically a loser, albeit a loser loved infinitely and unconditionally by God, and yet still a loser. Loser in worldly importance, certainly, but also a loser in my mission and desire for virtue. Still in need of penance and conversion; still in need of a new start. I don’t know, but I bet many faithful Catholics somewhat feel this way. I tend to think some of the Apostles did.
However, even though we are weak in our mission, rather because we are weak in it, God comes to us in His almighty divine missions : Creation; Redemption; and Sanctification. We have to remember God is control of a divine plan that intimately and personally involves us, but doesn’t originate from us, or is effective because of us. We are called to cooperate with the Divine plan, in humility and joy, with our lives. The Holy Spirit comes into our very being to lead us and make us aware of the divine plans at work, and encourages with all His gifts to receive the power to carry it forth, beginning with Peter and the Apostles, but now you and me, losers though we may be. By the way, I couldn’t help think of one of my high school anthems, “Even the Losers (Get Lucky Sometimes)” By Tom Petty (RIP). Blessed and Happy Pentecost!
.
Let's Repent! 