24/05/2026
PEntecost Homily
-Fr. Rex
Title: “Pentecost: Peace, Power, and Purpose”
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, my dear parishioners of Hurunui, grace and peace to you on this beautiful Feast of Pentecost.
Today, I write this homily to you from the beautiful and remote Chatham Islands. Even though I am far from you physically, I carry you in my prayers and in my heart.
As I reflect on today’s Gospel, I also think of our parish family in Hurunui—the people, families, children, elderly, workers, farmers, and all who faithfully gather to worship God.
Being here in the Chatham Islands has touched my heart deeply. Catholics here live in a very remote place. A priest visits only once or twice a year, and because of this, they hunger deeply for the Word of God and the Eucharist. Imagine waiting many months for Mass, for Holy Communion, or simply to hear the Gospel proclaimed in person. Yet despite the distance, they continue praying, waiting, and keeping their faith alive.
Their witness made me stop and reflect. Sometimes, what is always available to us can easily be taken for granted. Their hunger for Jesus made me ask myself: Do we treasure the Mass? Do we hunger for God’s Word? Do we appreciate the gift of the Eucharist?
In today’s Gospel (John 20:19–23), the disciples were gathered behind locked doors. They were afraid, confused, and uncertain after the death of Jesus. Fear had closed not only the doors of their house but also the doors of their hearts.
Perhaps we know that feeling too.
Even in our peaceful Hurunui communities, life is not always easy. Some carry worries about family, health, work, finances, loneliness, or the future. Some quietly carry grief, stress, or disappointments. Sometimes our hearts become locked by fear, sadness, anger, or uncertainty.
But then Jesus suddenly stood among the disciples and said: “Peace be with you.”
Today, I would like to reflect with you on the 3 P’s of Pentecost: Peace, Power, and Purpose.
1. PEACE
The first gift Jesus gave was peace.
Notice what Jesus did not do. He did not scold the disciples. He did not ask, “Why were you afraid?” Instead, He brought peace.
Jesus says the same words to us today: “Peace be with you.”
Peace does not mean life becomes perfect or free from problems. Families still struggle. Work can still be tiring. Health concerns remain. But the peace of Christ means we are not alone.
The Catholics here in the Chatham Islands remind me of this peace. Even when they cannot attend Mass regularly, they continue to trust God and patiently wait. Their faith teaches us to hope and remain faithful even during difficult times.
2. POWER
The second gift is power.
Jesus breathed on the disciples and said: “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
The disciples were weak and afraid, but the Holy Spirit gave them courage. Fear turned into faith.
Sometimes we also feel weak. We feel tired, discouraged, or overwhelmed.
But Pentecost reminds us that we are not expected to carry life alone. The Holy Spirit gives us strength.
When we are tired, the Spirit gives courage.
When forgiveness feels hard, the Spirit softens our hearts.
When life becomes heavy, the Spirit gives hope.
We need the Holy Spirit in our homes, in our parish, in our workplaces, and in our relationships.
3. PURPOSE
The third gift is purpose.
Jesus said: “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
Faith is not only for Sunday Mass. Jesus sends us into daily life to become signs of His love.
In Hurunui, mission often happens in simple ways.
A neighbour checking on someone who is lonely is mission.
A family praying together is mission.
Helping in parish life, encouraging someone struggling, visiting the sick, offering kindness, or listening to someone in pain—these are also ways of sharing Christ.
We may think we are ordinary people, but God works through ordinary hearts.
Conclusion
My dear Hurunui parishioners, writing this homily from the Chatham Islands has reminded me of one important truth: never take Jesus for granted.
The Catholics here hunger for the Word of God and the Eucharist because a priest visits only once or twice each year. Their faith is simple but beautiful. They wait, pray, and hope.
Perhaps Pentecost asks us today: Do I hunger for Jesus? Do I treasure Sunday Mass? Do I make time for prayer and God’s Word?
Jesus still comes through locked doors. He still says: “Peace be with you.” He still gives us the Holy Spirit. And He still sends us out with a mission.
So remember the 3 P’s of Pentecost: Peace, Power, and Purpose.
Reflection Question:
What locked door in my heart—fear, sadness, worry, anger, or distance from God—does Jesus want to open so I may hunger more deeply for Him?
