Did you know that today is the Church’s birthday? Deacon Tommy O’Donnell reflects on Pentecost Sunday and the gifts we receive through the Holy Spirit. Based on the readings for Pentecost Sunday.
Did you know that today is the birthday of the Catholic Church? Happy Birthday!
Hi, I’m Deacon Tommy O’Donnell and this is my One-minute homily.
Pentecost Sunday has traditionally been known as the birthday of the Church because today the Apostles receive the Holy Spirit, which enlivens them to embark on the mission of the Church: to proclaim the good news of our salvation through Jesus Christ. This is a mission we continue to be called to today.
Now, what do we usually get on our birthdays? We get presents! Gifts! And so, for our birthday as members of the Church, we receive gifts from the Holy Spirit. Just as the Spirit descended on the apostles 2,000 years ago and enlivened them with great gifts, so does the Spirit descend upon us today and enliven us with great gifts! We hear, “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit.” That is to say: we all receive unique gifts, but we are all called to the same mission.
What are the gifts the Spirit has given you? And how can you use those gifts to share the good news of our salvation through Jesus Christ?