8 June 2025 #TheBestBirthdayGift

Today, we celebrate the birth of the Catholic Church, when the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples, turning them into Apostles. A strong, driving wind and tongues as of fire came upon them, changing their lives forever. But it was more than wind and fire—something powerful, described as “like a strong and driving wind” and “tongues as of fire,” shifted how they lived, ate, and breathed.

Isn’t that the crux of it for all of us?

Events like a birth, death, marriage, illness, new job, lost job, or major argument change how we live, eat, and breathe. They alter how we see and interact with the world. Some are beautiful and easy, others hard and unappealing, but the Lord allows them for a reason—we learn from them.

In a way, we learn to “speak a new language” to better relate to those around us. When the disciples became Apostles through the Holy Spirit, they spoke to the crowds in words that touched their ears and souls—words of peace, joy, redemption, community, and hope. These echo the “mighty acts” Jesus shared in John’s Gospel, gifts only God can impart.

We hear in the psalm, “Lord, send out your Spirit and renew the face of the earth.” But how? The Spirit didn’t act for the Apostles; it enabled them to do what was needed.

So, the Spirit renews the earth through you and me. We must speak the language of the heart—peace, joy, redemption, community, hope—not just cultural languages.

Are your words kind, joy-filled, and inviting? Do you stand close enough to others’ lives to hear them and be heard? Are you ready for a faith journey full of twists, turns, and two-steps-forward-one-step-back adventures? Can you be as gentle and forgiving with others as the Lord is with you?

As a birthday gift to the Church, spend time with the Holy Spirit thinking about someone who needs Jesus and the sacraments. Consider what words they need to hear—maybe “I’m sorry,” “Forgive me,” or “I was wrong,” alongside “Jesus loves you,” “Life is better with Jesus,” or “The sacraments are abundant fonts of grace.” That would be a gift worth giving.

#thebestbirthdaygift