We also derive strength from the diversity of gifts and services that people offer to God. No single person is capable, on their own, of accomplishing everything necessary to lead the world toward Jesus Christ.
In the readings for the Solemnity of Pentecost, the Spirit is described as a rushing wind and tongues of fire. We know well that the Holy Spirit is a Person of the Most Holy Trinity; yet, as human beings, we are only capable of representing the Holy Spirit in terms of what He does. In the second reading, Paul attempts to explain precisely that.
First, Paul affirms that we cannot recognize Jesus as Lord without the Spirit. The Spirit is the means by which Jesus makes Himself present among us today; therefore, anyone who truly believes in Jesus is guided by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit never contradicts Jesus; thus, anyone who claims to possess new knowledge that opposes what Jesus taught is not acting under the influence of the Holy Spirit. For example, if someone were to claim to have received a revelation—and began to preach and teach that it is no longer necessary to love our enemies—we would immediately know that the Holy Spirit does not dwell within that person, for we know that such a claim is completely contrary to what Jesus taught.
Secondly, Paul acknowledges that the Holy Spirit works in different ways. To explain this, he notes that within the Church, there exist diverse gifts and forms of service. Yet, he emphasizes that all these differences originate from one and the same God.
You and I are witnesses to this. Here in our parish, we see people serving in distinct ways and utilizing diverse skills. Furthermore, individuals even possess different ways of perceiving reality. Some have more patience than others; some are better listeners, while others are excellent organizers. But, ultimately, all these differences stem from a single source: God.
When we reflect on the strength of the Church, we tend to think of its unity—that is: one baptism, one faith, one Lord. And we are right to do so. However, it is important to remember that we also derive strength from the diversity of gifts and services that people offer to God. No single person is capable, on their own, of accomplishing everything necessary to lead the world toward Jesus Christ. We need all the different talents and services of every member of the community.
Jesus shared the mission of spreading the Gospel with His disciples. If sin brought a multitude of problems into the world, the Spirit, in turn, brings us a multitude of gifts to help us overcome those very problems. As Paul affirms, this diversity of gifts constitutes a single Body of Christ. Therefore, it would be both meaningful and beautiful if we were to see and acknowledge the gifts of those around us—including the beauty of our cultural diversity—for perhaps in doing so, we might perceive the Holy Spirit with greater clarity.
Happy Feast of Pentecost!!
May the Lord always give you his peace.
Fr. Lalo Jara, OFM
Pastor, Mission San Luis Rey Parish
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