Catholic World

Sunday 31 May Pentecost

First Reading Acts 2:1-11 The Spirit comes to the Apostles as tongues of fire

Second Reading 1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12 - 13 We are one body with different gifts 

Gospel John 20: 19 - 23 Jesus breaths the Holy Spirit into the Apostles

REFLECTION by Dianne Bergant CSA

Pentecost celebrates the fullness of the Spirit and the great gathering of nations. It brings the Easter season to its conclusion. The Risen Lord has been exalted to his rightful place next to God and he has sent his Spirit to fill the earth with God's power. The world is charged with divine energy; it needs but a spark to ignite it with life and with excitement. This vitality explodes into the extraordinary. Tongues are loosed and speech overflows its linguistic constraints; charismatic gifts flood the valleys of human habitation; barred doors are burst open and frightened hearts are calmed. The Spirit of the Lord fills the whole world.

Once again we gather together for one reason, only to discover that God has gathered us for another. Through the Spirit of God, we are reconciled to each other and then together we spend ourselves for the common good. Through the Spirit of God the world is renewed, the community is revitalised, and we come to know the mysterious yet all pervasive peace of Christ.

The Spirit has been poured forth and works wonders wherever human hearts are open to its promptings. The earth is renewed each time rivalries are resolved, distinctions are recognised as merely expressions of diversity, peace is restored, comfort and solace are offered, and forgiveness is granted. We are immersed in the vigour of the Spirit of God. All we have to do is open ourselves to it and the reign of God will be born in our midst.

May is the Month of Mary

In the April edition of the French magazine entitled "Therese de Lisieux", Mount Carmel students are honored to make an appearance. The photograph is of the students carrying the relics of St Therese from the hall to the chapel, when they visited us at the beginning of february.

Their photo has travelled back to the homeland of St Therese and then on to many other nations, as the magazine travels far and wide!

Mrs Christine Meharg