05/24/2026
Today the Easter season comes to its joyful conclusion. The victory of Christ risen from the dead now extends into history through the Holy Spirit in the Church. Each one of us is given a share of divine life through the Holy Spirit. The reality that God empowers us to be Christians (people who are like Christ) is an awesome gift.
Without the Holy Spirit, we could only look at God from a distance with fear and awe. God is great, brings the world into existence, gives good gifts, and a means of redemption. Yet, there is always an insurmountable gap between us and God. The Holy Spirit poured into our lives gives each of us an intimate closeness to God. Through Jesus Christ, we are joined into one body because Jesus takes on our flesh and blood and joins it to himself. With the Holy Spirit, we are animated, made alive to know and love God who dwells with us. Because of Pentecost and the gift of the Spirit, we have a radical closeness to God.
Thus, the sequence (the hymn before the Gospel is read) of Pentecost gives us the beautiful lines:
Heal our wounds, our strength renew;
On our dryness pour your dew;
Wash the stains of guilt away:
Bend the stubborn heart and will;
Melt the frozen, warm the chill;
Guide the steps that go astray.
~ Fr. Ruminski
Image: Vienna - Fresco of Pentecost scene from 19. cent. by Carl Mayer in Altlerchenfelder church
