06/05/2022
PENTECOST 2022 – June 5, 2022
Christ Church, Magnolia, New Jersey
Dear Friends in Christ:
This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost in the Church. It brings to an end the
Season of Easter and opens us to a new focus – being the Church of Jesus Christ. The
events of Jesus’ life and ministry culminated with his Crucifixion in Jerusalem on a Friday
and the miracle of Resurrection on Sunday. Pentecost marks the foundation of the
Church. Now we, his followers, are to carry on his mission and ministry. Now we are
empowered by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Good News of Jesus to the world!
What does that mean for us? I am struck by what the author Brian McLaren has to say
about our journey with Christianity. I have become weary and alarmed at those who try to
make Christianity fix their world views to justify their actions. Today there are those who
speak of Christian nationalism ... while Jesus’ message is meant for the world! I
disapprove of those who select a few Biblical passages to condone their judgment, exclusion
and hatred toward others. Jesus came among us and speaks of God’s love that breaks
down all barriers.
Brian McLaren’s latest book, “Do I Stay Christian?”, challenges me to think what the Holy
Spirit has to say to us today. The Spirit came to teach and guide us in the ways of Jesus.
McLaren talks of Jesus referring to himself as the Son of Man. Jesus is saying that he
represents the essence of humanity, a new generation, a new kind of human being. His
invitation is to follow him, imitate him and join Jesus on a journey of a new way of being
human. I believe that the Holy Spirit reaches out to be this new kind of human being!
McLaren goes on to say the marks of this human being aspires to be humble, just and
religious. To me, these are the marks of living our Jesus’ commandment to love! By being
religious, McLaren goes on to say he means being intentional in our lives. He says this
means seeking out practices that promote justice, kindness and humility. I believe these
are the things the Spirit wants us to do to build faith communities that promote these
things.
In the midst of the uncertainty that the future of Christianity faces, McLaren invites us to
continue what he call our spiritual quest. He goes on to say that we are invited to become
the most just, kind and humble versions of ourselves that we can possibly be now, day by
day. He continues that we are called to practice a faith that expresses itself in love and that
will further the new humanity that Jesus introduced! I would add that this is the mission
of the Church and what the Holy Spirit will help us become and proclaim!
Does this make sense to you? Let’s find ways to discuss this among ourselves, with the help
of the Holy Spirit! Let’s become the Church, the new humanity and new generation that
Jesus asks us to be now! With warmest regards, I remain, faithfully yours in Christ, Fr.
Pat
