May 31, Pentecost Sunday

Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth. -- Psalm 104:30

Mass readings:

Vigil: Genesis 11:1-9 or Exodus 19:3-8,16-20 or Ezekiel 37:1-14 or Joel 3:1-5 / Romans 8:22-27 / John 7:37-39

Day: Acts 2:1-11 / 1 Corinthians 12:3-7,12-13 or Galatians 5:16-25 / John 20:19-23 or John 15:26-27;16:12-15

Pentecost Sunday

A strong driving wind filling the entire house with noise. Tongues as of fire resting on each disciple. The Holy Spirit descending upon them. Fishermen suddenly speaking foreign tongues. These are images that stir our senses but something very significant preceded, and followed, all this: the act of listening. Before they could speak, the apostles heard the Spirit, with their ears and their hearts.

In a culture where speaking our mind can seem to be the highest value, we're reminded today about the importance of listening. The fruits of the Spirit can't be manifested in me if I'm not still enough to listen -- to the child no one hears; to the immigrant; to the unspoken words of a lonely friend.

Prayer: Speak Lord, Your servant is listening.