Pentecost: God Is Ever Near!

Pentecost is a celebration of the beginning of our great Church and the faith and courage of the Blessed Mother and Apostles, who stepped into the world and dared to bring the good news forward. Can you imagine how scared they were? Their leader, inspiration and brother was gone from them, raised from the dead, and they were left to face the perils of the unknown, all alone. God did not let them down. He sent the powers of the Holy Spirit to breathe in them an undaunting courage that erased all doubt. They accepted the mission of Jesus and carried it out, bringing it to people far and wide. And, through their courage, we are who we are some two thousand years later, standing alone and together inspired, brave and firm in our conviction that Jesus' message is still the one and only way.

How many of us feel alone in life, yet are surrounded by family, friends and colleagues? How many of us feel compelled to do or say something, and are fearful that we will be standing alone in our decisions? How many of us want to be brave, yet follow the path of least resistance? How many of us fail to accept the call of Jesus to bring His word to others? How many of us are so comfortable that we prefer to keep our heads down in low profile, not to be called out, seen as a leader or willing to go a little extra mile? 

We are not alone. We are always supported by a loving God who never will leave our side. God is ever near to those who bring His word forth in conversations that require justice and peace, and in situations which demand action. Pentecost calls us forth each year to celebrate and to take steps forward to evangelize and proclaim. Don't be afraid; don't be shy!    

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