Happy birthday, Church!

Ps 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34

1 Cor 12:3B-7, 12-13

Jn 14:14-15, 23B-26

Happy birthday, Church! I love celebrating birthdays, especially for the opportunity to celebrate and recollect our place in this world. It is on birthdays that we look back upon the foundations of our lives and all the time we have spent on this earth. We as a Church have come so far and have accomplished so much. And it is on this Pentecost Sunday that we look back to the humble beginnings of the Church, to twelve men assembled in a closed room (Acts 2:1). Although they did not know it at the time, they were like a family anticipating the coming of a child, of new life. The arrival of the Holy Spirit filled them with similar joy and excitement to share the news with others. It is impossible to contain these emotions. As soon as one of my friends learned that our other friend gave birth, she sent me a message to share the news, and I just had to share it with my co-worker, who did not even know the new mother. New life is contagious. The first birthday of the Church brought the most beautiful life and a great cause for rejoicing.

Admittedly, another reason I enjoy birthdays is because I am rather fond of the tradition of gift giving and gift-receiving. There is something so exhilarating and beautiful in finding or making a gift for a loved one, something unique and cherished. It says something about the relationship between the two of you. And when you receive that perfect gift from someone, it brings such joy and affirmation. How special it is to know that others know you, care about you and pour themselves out for you! Sometimes these gifts are tangible or practical. Some are sentimental. Some are grand gestures or memorable experiences. Love demands action and we feel compelled to make sure that our beloved knows they are loved and have everything we believe they deserve.

The love of Christ goes beyond our capacity and his charity is unsurpassing. We celebrate during this Easter season the greatest act of love ever expressed in Jesus’ Passion and our redemption. He has already proven his love. But as always, Jesus exceeds all expectations. What an incredible gift Jesus gave to his Apostles on the first Pentecost—the gift of the Holy Spirit and the ability to speak in tongues (Acts 2:4). Jesus knew his friends.He knew they wanted to share the Good News but needed the courage to go out into the world. Most of Jesus’ time on earth, he spent preaching and sharing his mission with his disciples. On that first Pentecost, Jesus gave his friends a gift he knew they would cherish and share with others—participation in his mission and the ability to reach more people than they ever could have imagined.

As members of the Church, we too receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit, each according to our own strengths, passions, and interests that will work to benefit the common good (1 Cor 12:7). Everyone has different vocations and roles to play in the Church and everyone’s path to sainthood is in being perfectly themselves. God loves each of us uniquely and gives us what we need. Just as our bodies are complex systems that work in harmony to live, thrive, and grow, we as gifted individuals are called to act in cooperation with one another to strengthen the Church and her mission.

To honor our relationship with Jesus we need to utilize and appreciate the gifts we have and the Spirit’s work in our lives. Jesus asked us to keep his commandments (John 14:15) and so grow deeper in love with him. Jesus’ commandments are also gifts—wisdom that will open our hearts to the Holy Spirit. Jesus has offered us the gift the Advocate but we must be ready to receive the Spirit into our hearts. God cannot dwell in a heart that is hardened by selfishness and indifference. We were created to be in community with each other and with our Lord.The best birthdays are never celebrated alone but with those who love us and whom we love. On the birthday of the Church, we come together in love and joy to worship and honor the source of all that is good. Like so many children on their birthdays, we ask our loving Father to continue to bless us in abundance. Come, Holy Spirit!