This weekend we celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost; the decent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples. This is also known as the Birthday of the Church. We can see a clear change in the disciples after Pentecost.  These men who ran away in fear in the garden, now preach boldly and stand strong. 

We all should be transformed by the Holy Spirit, can we open ourselves up to how God may want to be using us?

Pentecost will always hold a very special place in my heart. You see, it was three years ago on Pentecost, that I held up a host at Mass and said for the first time, “…this is my body which will be given up for you.”  It was just the day before that Archbishop Flynn called down the Holy Spirit on me and my classmates at our ordination. We were transformed that day by the Holy Spirit, however, the Holy Spirit is not limited to the ordination rite. We each can be transformed by the Holy Spirit at any given time.

At every Mass I try and remember to let myself be more transformed into a servant of Jesus Christ. As I try to say good bye to one community, it is my hope and prayer that they have been able to see Christ in me, that they would say I have been a true servant of Christ for them. As I start moving in and getting to know the communities of Nativity and Marysburg, it is my hope and prayer that you too may be able to see Christ in me, that I may be a true servant to you. And that you will know that I truly mean it when I say at the Altar, “…this is my body which will be given up for you.”

23 days to Nativity and Marysburg.

Fr Backer

May 22, 2010