Today we celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.  We remember the extraordinary actions of a mighty wind, tongues of fire, and speaking in tongues that marked the event.  We may wonder why in our day the Holy Spirit seems to move in much more imperceptible ways.  In truth it was the events on that Pentecost Day that were most unusual. 

Throughout the scriptures the Holy Spirit moves in ways most subtle.  We hear in Genesis that the Spirit of God hovered over the waters.  When Elijah took refuge on Mount Horeb God manifested Himself in “a tiny whispering sound.”  At the Annunciation the Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary and she conceived.  When the Holy Spirit appeared in Jesus’ life, it was in the form of a dove.  In Jesus’ life and in Mary’s, the Spirit was most often experienced through prayerful meditation.  “Mary held these things in her heart.”  And Jesus often spent his nights in prayer.

            When we want to encounter the Holy Spirit in our lives, we should follow the example of Jesus and Mary.  We will find the Spirit in quiet meditation.  Mother Teresa of Calcutta put it this way, “God is the friend of silence. See how nature - trees, flowers, grass - grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence... We need silence to be able to touch souls."  Only in the silence will we be able to hear the Spirit’s quiet voice.

            Last week we distributed information packets about our capital campaign.  We are entering into this campaign because I believe God has wonderful plans for our parish and for this archdiocese.  No doubt God wants each of us to have a part in those plans.  How can we know our part unless we listen in silence for the direction of the Holy Spirit? 

            Please make a point this week to pray, “Lord, what do you want to do through me to fulfill your will for our parish?”