PENTECOST SUNDAY

We can divide the history of salvation three periods: the period of God the Father, the period of God the Son Jesus and the period of God the Holy Spirit. The Era of the Holy Spirit began at Pentecost. This was also the beginning of the Church too. On the day of Pentecost, as the result of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, two extraordinary things took place.

A NEW LIFE FOR THE DISCIPLES

Even though the disciples witnessed resurrection and ascension of Jesus, the impact of Jesus’ death was so traumatic that they never totally recovered from that shock. The disciples were living in fear and doubt. The presence of the Holy Spirit however brought about a sea change in their lives. They resurrected themselves from the shackles of fear and started preaching about Jesus. They received a new life, vigor and spirit.

The Holy Spirit is the prime principle of life. The first book of the Bible (Genesis) opens with this interesting statement: the spirit of God was hovering over the water. In the second chapter of the same book, we have the creation account of Adam and Eve. The Lord God formed man out of the clay of the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and so man became a living being. The New Testament also depicts a parallel story. After the resurrection, Jesus breathed on his disciples and said, “Receive the holy spirit.” In this act of Jesus, they experienced a new beginning. In short, all through the Bible, the Holy Spirit is pictured as the breath of God or as the life giving principle. We share in the life of God through the reception of the Holy Spirit. Sin separates us from God whereas the Spirit reconnects us to God. The Holy Spirit sanctifies us, fills us with Grace and makes us fully alive for God.

A NEW LAW OF LIFE

People who gathered in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost were people from different languages, cultures and colors. The presence of the Spirit transformed them and enabled them to see the common bond. They saw their own image in each other and understood each other’s language. The Holy Spirit filled their hearts with a new language- a language of love. Love is the third eye. Anyone who looks through the third eye will see the image of God in every human being regardless of his or her differences whatsoever.

Unity in diversity and accommodation of differences; these are fundamental to Christian belief. The core of Jesus’ priestly prayer was for unity. This is why Church is catholic.
Pentecost clearly reveals the universality of the Church. The Law was given only to Moses where as the Holy Spirit was given to all. Pentecost abolished the division between the people of God and no people.

LIFE EMANATING FROM PRAYER

Before ascending into heaven, Jesus instructed his disciples to stay in the city praying for the Holy Spirit. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit happened while they were in prayer. Prayer creates the environment for discernment.

ASCENSION OF THE LORD

ASCENSION AS COMMISSIONING
Angels extended Jesus a warm welcome to Heaven. Naturally, they bombarded him with questions. “Have you done something to take care of your Church on earth?” Angel Gabriel raised the first question. “Yes! I have trained a group of disciples”, Jesus replied. “If they fail then what will you do? Do you have a plan B?” they enquired. “No! I trust them!” Jesus said.

This Sunday we celebrate the Ascension of Jesus, His glorious entry into heaven. The Ascension is not only about Jesus but also about each one of us. The ascension of Jesus signifies the completion of Jesus’ mission on earth and the beginning of Disciples’ mission. The two sets of instructions that Jesus and the Angel gave to the disciples undoubtedly underline this point. For example, the Angel said to the disciples, “Why are you standing here looking at the sky?” Jesus said to them, “You will receive the power from the Holy Spirit and you will be my witness in Jerusalem and to the ends of the earth (Acts of the Apostles 1:1-11). If we put together these two statements, one thing becomes clear, namely, the Ascension is a commissioning. It is an invitation to take up the mission of Jesus. According to Luke, Jesus finished his earthly journey in Jerusalem and the disciples have to continue the journey of Jesus from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.

THE CHALLENGES OF THE ASCENSION!
First, our mission is to establish the Kingdom of God. As Jesus rightly corrected his disciples, establishing the Kingdom consists primarily in ‘witnessing Jesus’ than building up a social institution. Kingdom of God is neither a territory nor an organization but it is the reign of God in human hearts. The key to evangelization is manifesting God’s reign in each one of us. Once a Bishop said, “One of the means we adapt to evangelize non –Christians is to encourage catholic families to come and stay with the non Christians for a period of time.” The principle is that action speaks louder than words. “Preach all the time but use words whenever it is necessary” (Francis of Assisi). Lighthouses blow no horns; they only shine.

Secondly, this witnessing must begin from Jerusalem. The city of Jerusalem has biblical significance. All the major salvific events took place in Jerusalem. Jerusalem is the city of God. It is the meeting place of God. Mount Zion symbolizes God. Witnessing begins from Jerusalem. This means that any act of evangelization must have its source and inspiration in the Word of Jesus. It must be rooted in Christ experience.

Finally, the obligation for evangelization never ceases to exist. Jesus not only fulfilled his mission by offering his life as a ransom for many but also prepared his disciples to take over it. We also have these twofold challenges: Encounter the risen Lord in our lives and share it with our fellow beings, and prepare those who are in our care to continue this mission. Definitely, the starting point of this missionary mandate is our family itself. The Ascension is a call to come out from the secret service to public service.

THE ASCENSION IS A FEAST OF HOPE AND COMFORT
The Ascension is also a feast of hope and comfort. First, it, confirms Jesus’ promise of eternity. Jesus said, “In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. I am going to prepare a place for you. I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.” (John 14: 2-4). Jesus has won this divine heritage for us. This provides us not only great comfort and consolation in facing the uncertainties of our earthly existence, but also encourages us to shape and reshape our earthly pilgrimage in view of our eternal dwelling place. It reassures and reaffirms our faith in the eternal Holiday (heaven).

Secondly, the entrance of Jesus’ humanity into God’s heavenly domain remains a clear proof of God’s complete acceptance of humanity. Through the incarnation, God entered into the human dimension and by Ascension humanity entered into the divine domain. Ascension completed the mission of incarnation.

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Very often people get confused with the feasts of the Assumption and the Ascension. They are not one but two distinct realities. The Assumption is the reception of Mary into heaven. This was an act of God. On the other hand, the Ascension is Jesus’ entry into heaven by his own power. Mary was assumed into heaven by the power of God while Jesus was ascended into heaven by his own power.

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SUMMER ADULT BIBLE STUDY

St. Denis is offering a SIX WEEKS STUDY on the Gospels of
LUKE & MATTHEW & JOHN
TUESDAY at 7.30pm to 8.45pm
June 22, 29, July 6, 13, 20, 27
in
Potthoff Hall
Mark your Calendar and tells your friends
Presenter: Fr. Sebastian Vettickal
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OH! MOM

Last night I had a telephone call from my mom. I said to her, “Mom, it is very expensive for you to call from India. Please hang up the phone. I will call you back.” “That is Ok! If it is for you, nothing is too expensive,” my mom replied. Mothers are the perfect embodiment of love and care. On this beautiful day, dear mothers, I wish you God’s blessings and everything beautiful. I would also like to tell all moms that we love you and we appreciate all you do for us.

Mother’s Day celebration originally started during the Civil War by Mrs. Anna Reeves Jarvis. She organized a day of prayer to share the pain and agony of the mothers whose children were fighting in the war. Later Julia Ward Howe, and Anna Jarvis, the daughter of Mrs. Anna Reeves Jarvis, popularized the Mother’s Day get together and made it into a national event. President Wilson established Mother’s Day in the USA on May 9, 1914. We celebrate mother’s day on the second Sunday of May to show the ‘public expression of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country.

The role and importance of a Mother is second to nothing. Motherhood is so great not only because they bring new life into the world but also for what they do to nurture and nourish that life. As Olive Schreiner rightly put it, “There was never a great person who had not a great mother- it is hardly an exaggeration”. There is no parallel for their love, care, compassion and sacrifice. (Remember an incident where you were touched by the love of your Mother. Tell your Mom about it today, if possible.)

In Mary God found a perfect mother for His Son, Jesus. This made her a paradigm for motherhood for all times. FOUR qualities that Mary reflects in her life make any mother an ideal Christian Mother.

Found Favor with God

Every time a child is born to this world, God tells the parents, “I trust you.” God blessed you with children because God found confidence in you. When Angel Gabriel approached Mary with the good news, Angel said, “God is going to make you the Mother of His Son, God found favor with you”. Mary found favor with God by totally submitting to the will of God. Mothers, since you are the corner stone of your home, finding favor with God are the best thing that you can contribute to your family. (Discuss: What are the few things you need to do to find favor with God?)

Chose life, despite opposition

The greatness of Mary consists in this that every time she confronted with different values; she chose the values of God. Different voices confronted her at least five times: - The Annunciation, The Presentation, and The Finding in the Temple, The Public Encounter and the Encounter on Calvary. At each encounter, there was a beckoning for a radical choice by three different voices: the voice of society, the voice of self and the voice of God. In all five encounters, Mary came out victorious since she said: “Yes” to the Voice of God. Recollect the Annunciation scene. Three different voices pressurized her: The Voice of God ----Be the mother of Jesus...The Voice of Society --- You will be stoned to death if you keep the child. The Voice of Self --- Why should I undergo such a needless struggle to take such a risk? However, Mary chose the Voice of God and that became her way for life.

Raised Jesus the way God wanted

Mary’s greatness was that she raised Jesus in the way God wanted. She did not make her own personal plans for Jesus. She and Joseph did not impose their family trade on Jesus. Instead, they discerned God’s plan for Jesus, created an environment to support that plan and accompanied Jesus all the way to Calvary and even after. This is the role of any mother: Discern the plan of God for her child, create an environment where he/she could pursue that plan and support him/her all the way.

Accompanied her Son all the way

Nine in the morning, this little girl approached her Mom and said: Mom you look so beautiful today.” The mother was a little embarrassed and said: “Why do you say that? I have not dressed up. I did not have any face-lift…” “This is the reason why you are cute... This means you are not going out today! You are fully mine!” the little girl replied. The best things children expect from their mothers are their accompanying, understanding, supporting, listening presence.” Mary was did that! She was always with him like His shadow. She was with her Son in good times and bad.
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EXPECT A LITTLE AND GIVE A LOT
Fifth SUNDAY OF EASTER: Jn 13:31-35

It was a winter night. I was returning to my little parish in the northern part of India by my motor bike. On the way, I saw an elderly man who was walking along the road, carrying two heavy bags. He was going to visit his daughter. His train was late and he missed the last bus. He had no choice but to walk. I felt sorry for him. I offered him a lift. On the way, he asked me, “Sir, are you a Christian?” “Why do you ask that question?” I was curious! “Only Christians do this kind of service”, he replied. Love marks the uniqueness of Christian identity. If we, Christians, fail in love, the world has no other place to look for it.

LOVE MARKS CHRISTIAN IDENTITY

Jesus said to his disciples, “This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” If there is no love, there is no Christianity. If we do not abide in love, we do not know anything about God because God is love. Love is not a quality of God. It is the essence of God. God is love. Jesus underscored this view when he said ‘by your love you will reveal that you are my disciples.’

There are numerous definitions on love. However, the statement ‘God so loved the world that he sent his only Son’ excels all other definitions of love. This statement explains the nature of love. Love is giving. God manifested his love in giving, giving His only Son. Jesus did the same. He gave His life as a ransom for many. We witness this supreme act of love in the celebration of the Eucharist. Giving, and not receiving, characterizes Christian love. The desire for receiving shows one’s deficiency and the eagerness to give tell one’s sufficiency. Problems arise when one’s sole concern becomes receiving. What motivates me in my life? Am I a generous giver?

CRITERIA OF CHRISTIAN LOVE!

How do we know that we really love someone? What are the parameters of love? Christian love has three characteristics:

It is other oriented। The moment you start to think about others and their growth, you have begun to live Christian Love। If your life and activities do not bring happiness and growth to others, yours is not Christian love।

Christian Love is action oriented. Love is not an abstract thing. It should take on a concrete form. For example, we make available our time, talents, and treasures to the person we love. In genuine love, there is always an exchange of words, an exchange of persons and an exchange of gifts. God so loved us by sending His own Son. Jesus loved us by giving His own Body and Blood. We must show our love through concrete actions.

Christian Love is expensive. There is no genuine love without a price or sacrifice. For example, to forgive someone who offended us or to defend somebody whom we do not like…is really a sacrificial act. The amount of sacrifice that goes along with our concrete actions measures the real depth of our Christian Love!!

“Don’t look for flaws as you go through life; It is easy enough to find them. It is wise to be kind, and sometimes blind, and to look for the virtues behind them.”

Call to Friendship
4rth Sunday, Easter

“I know my sheep and they recognize my voice.” This is the best description of Christian Discipleship. Christianity is not about rules and regulations. It is not a set of rituals. Christianity is about our relationship, relationship with Jesus. Everything else is expressions of this relationship. Our challenge is, therefore, to grow in this relationship or friendship. Spiritual fathers recommended four principles towards this goal.

Quality time: Friends who never find time for each other soon or later break up. To grow in personal relationship with Jesus, one needs quality time for prayer.

Shared Meal: Eating together is a sign of unity of hearts. One cannot grow in Jesus without participating in the Eucharistic meal.

Fairness: We may share everything and care for each other but if we are not fair enough to each other, our friendship will begin to decline. The acceptance of failure and the willingness of asking for pardon is the central aspect of friendship. This is true in our spiritual life as well. We do it through the sacrament of reconciliation.

Learn more. People who are serious about their friendships are always eager to know more and more about their companions. We will know more about Jesus by studying the Scripture.

In short, Prayer, Eucharist, Confession and Scripture Study are the four means for developing personal intimacy with Jesus.

The Broken Rock
3rd Sunday of Easter (Jn. 21:119)

A couple of weeks ago Pope Benedict appointed Bishop Jose Gomes as the Coadjutor Archbishop of Los Angeles. In the gospel reading this morning we have the story of another appointment. Jesus appointed Peter as the head of the whole Church. Jesus did a couple of important things before he entrusted Peter the responsibility of shepherding the Church. They are:

Removed the Doubt and Assured Success

The first condition to be a disciple of Jesus and take responsibility in the Church is an unwavering faith. The death of Jesus shattered the faith of Peter in Jesus. Even though the resurrected Jesus made a couple of appearances before his disciples, they remained confused. Hence, Peter went back to his old job. Therefore, the first challenge of Jesus was to wipe out the shadows of doubt from the mind of Peter and give him confidence and hope in His power. Jesus did it in a miraculous manner. He enabled them to catch fish from the same place where they faced failure after failure. They caught 153 fish, which was a symbolic number.153 was the number of known nations during Jesus’ time. Through this symbolic but real act Jesus was assuring them success in their mission not only in Galilee but thorough out the world. However, they have to work with him and take His instruction.

Made Peter renew his Faith

During the Easter Vigil, we witnessed a number of people receiving the sacrament of Baptism. They made the profession of Catholic Faith before they received the sacrament. Public profession of faith in Jesus is the second condition for discipleship. Jesus asked Peter to do the ‘same’ before he assumed the responsibility of shepherding his sheep. “Peter, do you love me?” Jesus asked him the same question three times. It could be a reminder of his triple denial. It could also be a warning against making emotional decision without considering its consequences. This enquiry, however, has a deeper meaning and implication. The Greek language uses three different words to express three different levels of love: they are eros, phileo and agape. Eros is sensual love, phileo is love that results from admiration and agape is sacrificial love. Jesus was looking for agape love when He asked Peter ‘do you love me.’ Peter, however, responded with phileo love. Jesus continued the same question until Peter responded with agape love. Any commitment to Jesus demands agape love- a love that is willing to die for others even if they do not deserve it.

We are Jesus’ disciples today. It is our turn to continue the mission of Jesus. Like Peter, we also require these two qualities: Unwavering Faith and Agape Love. Jesus is always there to support us. Listen to him: We will catch fish in large number. We are fishers of men.