May 30-31, 2009
Acts 2:1-11 First Corinthians 12:3-13 John 15:26-27; 16:12-15
Pentecost
Recent news dealt with the repairs to the Hubble Space Telescope, a daunting series of space walks totaling over 31 hours. The pictures and videos made it look easy…but behind the space-walking astronauts has been an army of support personnel. From the lowly folk who filled the oxygen canisters, to the specialists who oversaw the launch and heat-shield inspection….the drama high above us unfolded because of the multiple gifts of many people focused on a single effort. With our celebration of Pentecost we not only bring the Easter Season to a close, we also commemorate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit which imbues the world and Church with the abilities and graces necessary to do wondrous things.
As we gather in worship for Mass, doctors are performing miraculous surgeries to restore people to health. As we chat outside over hospitality, diplomats are endeavoring to negotiate assorted treaties to end global and local conflicts. Later today while we are at home or enjoying the last weekend of May, volunteers at the Santa Ana Catholic Worker shelter will be serving their weekly BIG Sunday supper to everyone who knocks on their door. As we close our eyes to finally sleep in preparation for tomorrow, fire and police personnel are alert and keeping watch….just in case we need them. This fine mesh of many gifts allow our lives and world to flow uninterrupted…all thanks to the gifts of the Holy Spirit! Following Mass, our lawn will be a flurry of activity as people peruse the many different opportunities for involvement within the parish of Corpus Christi.
Like the Space Shuttle activities, our parish home is not the work or imagination of any one person….we exist because of the involvement of hundreds of people….all doing a little so that the PARISH can do a lot. Many of us grew up in communities/parishes where you simply ‘went’ to Mass….and then went home. That is not the Corpus Christi way…nor is it the way of the Holy Spirit. Our energy, our ‘special qualities’ noted by visitors and those who seek to join our family, are because so many of us share our abilities and gifts to make Corpus Christi a reality.
In order to stay healthy and vibrant we are always in need of fresh energy and fresh vision. As a parish we are but 10 years old, we have only begun to scratch the surface of what we can do. How is the Holy Spirit guiding you to help the Body of Christ be stronger and more vibrant? See that fire wafting out of the garden? It represents our energy and enthusiasm…just waiting to be harnessed….for the greater glory of God!! So draw close…and catch the Spirit….and let’s see what we can do for our next 10 years!
Thank you for joining with our Corpus Christi Community on this Pentecost Weekend. Bulletins are available on your way home, lots of things coming up….and the best way to find out about them is via the weekly Bulletin. You are invited out onto our lawn where our Pentecost Ministry Fair is in full swing. All the ministries, groups and organizations that call Corpus Christi HOME are available with information and personnel with whom you may chat. Especially in these financial crunch days, we rely GREATLY upon our volunteers to make our parish hum…if you have been lingering on the periphery of parish life, come on, take the risk and become involved with one of our ministries or groups!
Please note that the annual Diocese of Orange Priest Retreat is this week, thus there will not be any weekday Mass on Tuesday or Friday….and don’t get all upset when your calls to FKB are not returned promptly! Our Anniversary, the Solemnity of Corpus Christi is in two weeks and Laurie Barber could use extra help with the special post-Mass receptions….info is in the Bulletin. As we leave May behind and jump into June….remember, you are loved. FKB
