Week of May 24, 2026

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My Sisters and Brothers in Jesus Christ,

At Pentecost, we remember the dramatic outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples. The Acts of the Apostles gives us wind, fire, many languages, and amazement. It is a powerful reminder that God can break into human history in extraordinary ways. The Spirit can transform those who failed Jesus to proclaim the mighty works of God.

And yet the Holy Spirit does not always come with dramatic signs. Sometimes the Spirit works quietly, like the still small voice that revealed God’s presence to Elijah. In the Gospel, Jesus promises the Advocate, the Spirit of truth, and says, “You know him, because he dwells with you, and will be in you.” The Spirit is not only around us in great moments of grace; the Spirit abides within us in the ordinary, faithful, daily life of discipleship.

This is especially important in our own time. We live in a polarized world, where anger often speaks louder than charity, suspicion often replaces trust, and division can seem stronger than communion. In such a world, we need the fruits of the Holy Spirit more than ever: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are signs that the Spirit is truly at work in us. They are also the medicine our communities, our churches, our families, and our world desperately need.
Pentecost is not only something that happened long ago. It is a continuing invitation. The same Spirit poured out upon the first disciples has been given to us. We have received the gifts of the Spirit, but those gifts must be welcomed, nurtured, and lived. We are called to respond by becoming people through whom the Spirit can bring healing, reconciliation, courage, truth, and peace.
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So this Pentecost, let us pray earnestly for a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Let us pray that the Spirit will transform our hearts, our Church, our nation, and our world. Let us ask the Spirit to make us more faithful, more compassionate, and more courageous.
Come, Holy Spirit. Kindle in us the fire of your love. Renew the face of the earth. Amen.
Peace,
Rev. Ben