Homily , May 24, 2026

May 24, 2026

29

From The Pastor

The width and depth of the Holy Spirit’s power is uncontainable. Like a mighty wind it blows where it will, from where it comes and where it goes is known to God alone. The Holy Spirit is unlimited and beyond our ability to define. The Spirit can be immediately and undeniably known as well as completely hidden yet fully present. Wherever love is present the Spirit is there. Wherever there are chaos, confusion, and disorder, the Holy Spirit remains with an unseen influence toward goodness and truth.

The readings for the Solemnity of Pentecost help us to perceive this reality. There is a notable difference in the Pentecost experience in the Acts of the Apostles and that described in the gospel of St. John. St. Luke has the Feast of Pentecost forty days after the Resurrection of Jesus. In Acts, the experience was that of a strong driving wind filling the whole house. All perceived tongues of fire resting on all in the room. Filled with the Spirit, each began to speak in tongues as they gave witness to the Holy Spirit.

By contrast, St. John describes the evening experience of Jesus physically appearing to the disciples hiding behind locked doors. Jesus assures them of his peace which conveys a deep expression of acceptance and forgiveness that resolves any fear, guilt, or shame the disciples felt for running off in his hour of greatest need. The peace Jesus gives is the peace of Divine love released into the world after the Lord’s death and resurrection.

To convey the life of the Holy Spirit, Jesus breathes on these beloved followers and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Notice this is also an action of wind or breath. It is the wind or breath of God given into the new creation of post-Resurrection redemption. The old Adam (humanity) in disobedience is now renewed through the work of the new Adam, the Incarnate Christ, who suffered death to bring forth new life. Completing the work of the Paschal Mystery as reflected last week in the Feast of the Ascension, the Father through the Son sends the Holy Spirit into the world. For John, this was accomplished personally through the first disciples who then spread the Good News to all.

In a singular action, as Jesus breathes his Spirit upon the disciples, he commissions them to forgive sin. The forgiveness of sin is a Divine action given to all who believe and seek to follow the way of Jesus. In the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus, we are not only given the power to forgive the sin and offense of others, but we are also told to make forgiveness our identity and mission in the forgiveness we have already gained in Christ. This task is the work and evidence of the Holy Spirit.

The first reading from the Prophet Ezekiel, is a kind of Pentecost in the revival of the desolate and defeated exiles of Israel. The image of the dry bones is one of death and hopelessness in the loss of their homeland as well as their covenant relationship with God. They are overcome with the shame of exile and the guilt of their infidelity against God. This is clearly a revelation of Divine restoration and renewal for his beloved people.

Note the interaction between God and Ezekiel. The Prophet is a willing servant trying to understand the action of God. “Can these bones come to life?” God asks. The Prophet answers, “Lord God, you alone know that.”

Can hearts and souls in desolation, guilt, and shame be revived? Can those dead in faith and hope be restored? God’s answer is yes. For God there is no final offense or defeat, however dark or discouraging things appear to be. God acts through Ezekiel who prophesies as directed and the bones, sinew, and flesh are drawn together. More is needed. God gives the Prophet the power to accomplish a Divine action. “… breathe into these slain that they may come to life.” Ezekiel did as he is told and the multitude came to life and stood as a vast army at the ready. God confirms to Ezekiel that these bones are the house of Israel, all humanity, whom God could hear cry out, “Our bones are dried up, our hope is lost, and we are cut off.”

This reading is a direct parallel to the Pentecost and redemptive work we celebrate today. Despite our personal sin, the sin of the world, and the chaos of evil, God will never give up on Creation. However deep the desolation, despair, or disorder life throws at us, God remains ever-present for those who seek his redemptive love in Christ. In the Holy Spirit, God is fully present.

Please take some time today to set yourself in the mind and the heart of Christ. You are in Christ and Christ is in you. Sit long enough to feel and accept the Holy Spirit who animates your life in love.

Father John Esper

Homily