Dear Holy Trinity Family,

50 days after Easter and 10 days after the Ascension of the Lord, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Pentecost today. On the day of Pentecost, the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles and the disciples of Jesus brought a new transformation to them and ultimately it was the birth of the Church. The Apostles were in hiding for fear of the Jews after the death of Jesus. Being outpoured the gifts of the Holy Spirit, early believers of Christ were united by the Holy Spirit who began to dwell in the disciples of Jesus and empowered them. Pentecost is the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to send another Advocate to them. This is all about the mission of early Christian community that they were to spread the Gospel to all nations. In their testimony, the Risen Christ was always present and became the focal point of their message. As the church, we share the same mission, and this mission must be done by our own transformation. Let us spread the Gospel with our words and actions to the world!

Tomorrow is Memorial Day, a federal holiday for mourning the U.S. military soldiers who died in the line of duty while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. We commemorate all those soldiers who sacrificed their lives for protecting our country and our lives. We also appreciate the families of these fallen heroes. Without the sacrifices of their sons and daughters, our lives wouldn’t be same. They are also unsung heroes although they did not die in the line of duty. As we celebrate Memorial Day, we pray for all of them. May God give them eternal rest in peace!

As we try to continue the mission of the Church, we must not forget our Lord Jesus Christ who offered His life for us on the cross. Every Mass is more than a remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice; it is the celebration of life. As if those soldiers died for our country and our freedom, through the Cross, Jesus gave us a hope of salvation and the everlasting life. Therefore, this is the reason that we too allow ourselves to be changed and transformed before we change the world. On this Ascension Sunday, being open to the Holy Spirit, let us bring back the early church’s missionary zeal and the apostleship with a sense of belonging to the same church of Christ where the Holy Spirit’s outpouring gifts overflow!

Through the intercession of our Blessed Virgin Mother, Mary, may the Risen Christ always be ever present in our lives with the heavenly Father’s love. May the Holy Spirit guide and help you today and every day!

Blessings,

Fr. Brian