These are the words of the Psalm (Ps. 104) for the great Feast of Pentecost. In the Gospel of John Jesus tells us that he will send us an Advocate—The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth—to enlighten our minds, strengthen our faith and to bless us with gifts of the fruits of the Spirit. St. Paul tells us if we act in the Spirit in all we do and say, we will renew the face of the earth.
The gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost is the birth of our Church and the Christian Community (the body of Christ). It is our empowerment by Christ to be His hands and feet and to do His work in the world. Pentecost was the commissioning of the human race to be Christ on earth—to heal and help each other, to minister to one another, to love one another unconditionally, to be witnesses of our faith by our actions and disciples by our words. Christmas and Easter would have no meaning without Pentecost: a trinity of events that express God’s great love and mercy.
The Feast of Pentecost is an opportunity to begin to live the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The work of redemption continues; we are sent forth to proclaim the Good News, and today we remember the gift of the Holy Spirit and the work of the Church and her disciples.
After the second reading on Sunday we recite the Pentecost Sequence. The poetic text speaks of: “in our labor, rest most sweet...healing wounds, our strength renew… on the faithful, who adore and confess you, evermore in your sevenfold gift descend; Give them virtue’s sure reward; Give them your salvation Lord; Give them joys that never end. Amen. Alleluia.” We also sing “By the Waking of Our Hearts” which contains the same text. We are told that we who are guided by the Spirit will live in peace and receive its gifts. And so together we will sing: “Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.” Amen! Alleluia!
Keep singing!
Just a Note: I would like to take this moment to thank all the members of our St. Aidan Music Ministry (the Adult Choir, the Contemporary Group, Cantors and Instrumentalists) for their year of service to our parish! Well done, good and faithful servants! Thank you for your commitment and love for this faith Community. If you see a member of the Music Ministry, please thank them for their dedication and hard work. By the way—we are always looking for new members…
Elizabeth Dyc
The gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost is the birth of our Church and the Christian Community (the body of Christ). It is our empowerment by Christ to be His hands and feet and to do His work in the world. Pentecost was the commissioning of the human race to be Christ on earth—to heal and help each other, to minister to one another, to love one another unconditionally, to be witnesses of our faith by our actions and disciples by our words. Christmas and Easter would have no meaning without Pentecost: a trinity of events that express God’s great love and mercy.
The Feast of Pentecost is an opportunity to begin to live the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The work of redemption continues; we are sent forth to proclaim the Good News, and today we remember the gift of the Holy Spirit and the work of the Church and her disciples.
After the second reading on Sunday we recite the Pentecost Sequence. The poetic text speaks of: “in our labor, rest most sweet...healing wounds, our strength renew… on the faithful, who adore and confess you, evermore in your sevenfold gift descend; Give them virtue’s sure reward; Give them your salvation Lord; Give them joys that never end. Amen. Alleluia.” We also sing “By the Waking of Our Hearts” which contains the same text. We are told that we who are guided by the Spirit will live in peace and receive its gifts. And so together we will sing: “Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.” Amen! Alleluia!
Keep singing!
Just a Note: I would like to take this moment to thank all the members of our St. Aidan Music Ministry (the Adult Choir, the Contemporary Group, Cantors and Instrumentalists) for their year of service to our parish! Well done, good and faithful servants! Thank you for your commitment and love for this faith Community. If you see a member of the Music Ministry, please thank them for their dedication and hard work. By the way—we are always looking for new members…
Elizabeth Dyc
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