MASS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
SEPTEMBER 8, 2004
Fr. Sheridan's Holmily
The entrance today signified the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles:
Fire, Sound and Smoke symbolize the dramatic force, the
life-giving dynamism that is the work of the Holy Spirit!
Apostles, afraid of witnessing Christ�s torturous death, huddled collectively in a room, even after Christ�s apparitions - are gifted by God�s Spirit to be men desirous of speaking the truth of God � come whatever the costs might be. Raising their voices in the street � they proclaimed what they witnessed in many languages � that Christ is the Son of God.
Transformation, Boldness, Generosity, Passion and Sacrifice became the characteristics that were at hand.
Age upon age was affected by their actions. Faith was handed down to all generations because of their boldness.
A community was formed:
Christian is its name.
Numberless good works were enacted across the years because a vital transformation had been instilled into these � soon to be martyrs � God�s Truth set them free.
This dynamic school was begun out of that tradition, dedicated in God�s name to instruct God�s word.
Today, at this celebration, witness has been given to the fact that we are part of a multi-cultural world and that we give witness to the gifts which God has generously given us:
Gifts which celebrate life and the soul.
Gifts which strengthen the body.
Gifts which strengthen the mind.
Gifts which nurture others.
Gifts which encourage shared expression of thought.
Gifts which build leadership.
Gifts of the heart.
In stating this, we also declare that we are an active member of Christ�s Mystical Body.
So . . .
What is my prayer for you � our students?
That each one of you possess a knowledge of the gifts that God has given to you and that you name them.
And, through this affirmation, view yourself as one who is indeed loved by your Creator � possessing uniqueness on earth. It is my hope then that this perception should lead to a greater degree of self-acceptance and to a growing desire to return this gift of love given by God Himself on a daily basis � within our corridors, at home and perhaps to a stranger in-need.
Now, propelled by a desire to come ever closer to God�s Spirit dwelling within you � especially in those quiet, reflective experiences where your heart is touched by the Holy Spirit . . . those holy moments.
Be transformed, not unlike the Apostles � possess a world view, not a myopic one; be determined to hammer away against any prejudice; be energized to be a source of strength and support for your friends, for your family, and, yes for the stranger.
Through this process, I am confident (for I have seen it) that your generous side takes command, your faith-filled side directs your actions to be in compliance with God�s Commandments, your �authentic-self� commands the day because of the Trust you have in God and in being His good son.
This self-acceptance, this healthy high-esteem, this true knowledge of God�s presence might have begun:
Because of a note well-played;
Because of a chord well-struck;
Because of an intellectual exchange in class;
Because of kind word emitted in our hallways;
Because of a smile rendered by your dad;
Because of a football caught in the end-zone;
Because of a race well-run;
Because of a positive experience in helping someone;
Because of a simple, profound moment of reflection and prayer;
Because of a hike that revealed an aspect of nature�s beauty.
Whatever:
You are indeed a gift from God.
You have the capacity to gift us all.
You are a loved Son of God.
And . . . we are so, so glad you are here!
Go forth, now:
Keep God�s commandments;
Love with a freedom that acknowledges His presence in you;
And � create,
create,
create!
AMEN