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REFLECTION FOR: Sunday, May 11, 2008, Pentecost Sunday
1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11
Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34
Second Reading: 1 Corithians 12:3b-7, 12-13
Gospel: John 20:19-23
Reflection: Today by a remarkable coincidence, is Pentescost Sunday and Mother's Day, "and they were filled with the Holy Spirit." Mary and the Apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit on that first Pentecost and on this Sunday many are receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit in the sacrament of Confirmation. But where does that gift come from and by whom? On the first Pentecost, Mary the Mother of Christ was that guiding spirit and today we recognize the mother figures in our lives who have guided and continue to guide us on our journey of faith.
I happened to be reading one of Murray Bodo's new books, Mystics: Ten who show us the ways of God," during the preparation of this reflection. Mary is mentioned as the first mystic in her Ecce and Fiat a woman of faith, compassion and love. The Spirit was with Mary from the very moment of her impregnation and, through giving birth to Christ. This is the same Spirit that was with Mary at the Cross. We know one of the most difficult times for a mother is to see her child experience suffering and an early death. It is that gift of courage from the Spirit that guided Mary and many mothers through times of searching for the light in the darkness. Murray Bodo points out that mystics are just ordinary people but have a remarkable shared gift for the humility of love. Would we consider all those who have been mother figures for us to be a true witness of a "mystic?" There are different gifts from the Holy Spirit. Some may be more present at different times in our lives, for example, knowledge. However, the one gift that comes from within and continually calls us to conversion through the guidance of the Spirit, is the gift of love.
Mary gave birth to the mystical body of Christ and continued to be an inspiration to those early members who followed Christ. It was the Spirit within Mary, Mother of the Church, who was the Apostles in those moments of uncertainty before, during and even after they were "filled with the Holy Spirit." Mary, a woman of vision who guided the Church and the Apostles in those first moments to spread the message of Christ through the Spirit of Charity, continues to guide us to reach out to be present to others in our daily lives. That was the same gift of the Spirit that Francis shared, reaching out to others with his greeting, Pax et Bonum.
Do we take the time in our lives to be that guiding figure for others? How do we share the gift of charity to others that are not in our lives? How do we call on the gifts of the Holy Spirit, in our lives? Do we use the gifts we are given by the Spirit to the fullest to be visionary mystics for the future?
Prayer: Rooted in the life-giving Spirit who brings light into the darkness of our life; give us the right faith, certain hope and perfect charity. Spirit of life, guide us in wisdom and insight that we might always discern your holy and true Will.
Paula J. Scraba, Candidate
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