Last weekend, when the Church celebrated Pentecost, I said how challenging I found it in my preparations to preach, since we had a total of 10 scripture passages to choose from for proclamation at Mass (including 8 for the Vigil Mass)! It reminded me how much the bible shares about the Holy Spirit explicitly and implicitly for our reflection which, among other things, can lead us to a deeper union with God through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. There was also the "Pentecost Sequence" that was sung by the congregation at the Masses of Pentecost which tells us even more about the Holy Spirit, including the fact that the Holy Spirit wants to be our friend, our guide, our helper and our comfort whenever we need comfort. The Holy Spirit is God's light that brightens our day whether we are praying, working, playing or resting. The Holy Spirit heals sins wounds (especially in and through the Sacrament of Reconciliation) and gives us the grace that enables us to do good in the name of Jesus Christ. We need the Holy Spirit's presence and power (especially in our times when there is so much division in society AND in the Church) to unite minds and hearts in ways that are good, holy and helpful to as many as possible. The gifts of the Spirit, Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety and Fear of the Lord lead us to incorporate God's Way and Will in our lives and blesses us and others whenever we use these gifts. Those who consciously ask for and call on the Holy Spirit will, according to St. Paul (Gal 5:16-25), experience in the fruits of the Spirit which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Whenever people tell me they struggle to be patient in more situations than not, my first response will hopefully always be to encourage them to ask for more of the graces that flow from the Holy Spirit including humility and compassion that will make every encounter better than it would otherwise be.

I wonder how many people would answer yes if I asked them if they pray daily to the Holy Spirit for themselves and others. I hope, after reading some or all I have said in this pastor's column (and pondering it), you will be inclined to pray daily the "O Breathe On Me, Oh Breath Of God" that was in last week's bulletin and/or memorize and pray the entire prayer to the Holy Spirit or at least the first part which says "Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love"!