Pentecost: Embracing the Holy Spirit in Our Daily Lives

06-08-2025Weekly ReflectionFr. Fred Adamson

Dear Parishioners, This weekend is Pentecost and the last day of the Easter Season. We have celebrated for 50 days the great mystery that Jesus suffered, died, rose, appeared to His disciples, ascended into heaven and sends the promised spirit to dwell in us. Amazing. So, why we remember, we are called to do even more than remember, and that is to live it. We live the victory. Our relationship with God is restored. Sin, death and division are conquered by love, forgiveness and unity in Him.

The Holy Spirit is real and waiting for us to respond – it is often in the little nudges or pokes that He calls us to move beyond ourselves and be generous, kind and loving. It does not mean we have to sign up, volunteer or go to a foreign land. Holiness is best lived in the day-to-day routine. In our homes, families and professions. Daily moments are opportunities of our witness of love. We allow the Holy Spirit to move us when we allow God the Father’s creative love and the saving grace of Jesus to dwell in us. So this Sunday in a special way we cry out Come Holy Spirit Come – fill the hearts of your faithful.

When we speak of the Holy Spirit, it is important for us to keep in mind the Spirit is a person of the Trinity. That means, just as we have a relationship with the Father and Son – we are called into a relationship with the Holy Spirit. We need to think of who the Holy Spirit is to us as individuals not just what He is. Invite the Holy Spirit into your prayer to guide you. Into your troubles to assist you. Into your families to guide you. Let the Holy Spirit bless you with the fruits of charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control and chastity/purity.

We pray this coming week for all the children who will participate in Vacation Bible Camp. They are on a special journey following the compass to the “True North” which is Jesus. It is always a special week to see the kids grow in faith and to have the extra energy on campus. Thanks to Mrs. Stine and all who give generously to this special journey for the kids of our community.

You will notice work being done on the Parish Community Center in the upcoming weeks. Over the past several years, there has been damage on the parapets of the building as the cactus wren’s peck at the stucco to eat bugs. It has created large holes and a place for water to enter into the building. We are coating the parapets with a resistant coating of concrete-like material that will hopefully solve the problem. Then, in the coming months, we will paint the building. Just another sign of your generosity and care of the campus, as part of our commitment to mission, here at Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. Thank you.

May this last day of Easter be one filled with the Spirit for you and your family. We continue to journey as Pilgrims of Hope and will now enter into Ordinary time renewed, refreshed and ready to allow the Holy Spirit to inspire and guide us in the ordinary moments of our lives.

Pentecost Blessings,

Fr. Fred