May 31, 2009
Pentecost
If the air in Westbury smells a little sweeter this week, it’s because the scent of Chrism oil abounds. We begin this weekend as we confirm adults and older teenagers at two of our masses. Bishop Murphy gives special permission to local parish priests to confirm adults on the Feast of Pentecost. (Father Jaime is very excited because this is his first time to confirm people!)
During the week, “Pentecost” continues as Bishop Peter Libasci will confirm around 170 young teens. I’ve had a chance to personally interview them all throughout the year and I know they need our prayers for their future. I have great hopes for them in their faith life and we pray for their parents and sponsors who lead them in the way of faith by their example and guidance.
These special and festive moments for our parish remind me of the first Pentecost, which we celebrate today. The apostles were still reeling from the death of Jesus, and though they had spent time with him after his resurrection, they were still gathered in fear. And even if the fear was waning, they were certainly not planning on making any public appearances soon. But then the Holy Spirit came! They were emboldened to speak for the first time to the assembled crowd and all understood! Amazing grace!
But as powerful as that moment was, as powerful as the Holy Spirit was, the days following Pentecost were filled with trials and in order for the early Christian community to grow, great care had to be taken so that the new-found fervor of that Pentecost day wouldn’t die. So too it is with our present day celebrations of Confirmation. Amazing grace abounds! Yet the after-care of those who are confirmed is something our whole church community must be concerned about. Weekly celebration of the Eucharist is the basic start for growing in the Spirit. We have care for our youth through our Youth@SaintBrigid youth ministry program. Continued involvement in acts of service -- that too is part of continuing what happens at Confirmation.
For those of us who were confirmed years ago, the scent of Chrism in the air may reawaken the Spirit’s movement within each of us to re-kindle our passion for spreading the Good News of Jesus through our fidelity and our service. Alleluia!
