Hi folks!
Sorry but I took a few weeks away from blogging. But on this feast of the Pentecost, it's time to get back in the saddle.
A Seminary professor asked his class, "Are you Pentecostal?" His students gave him a blank stare. He asked his question again. This time one student raised his hand and said, "No sir! You know we're Catholic!" "Yes, I know you're Catholic. But are you Pentecostal? " Then the students got the intent of his question. All of us are called to let our lives be open and to be led by the Holy Spirit. In that sense we are all called to be Pentecostal.
Being formed, filled and led by the Holy Spirit does not mean that we have to speak in tongues, sing praise music, dance at church, or always have a smile on our faces. Being a Pentecostal Christian does mean loving God and others with passion. And it especially means allowing yourself to be loved by God.
Yes, I know that we are all loved by God. But the more aware we are of God's intimate and total love for us, the more able we are to accept His forgiveness and live for His purposes in our lives. A Baptist pastor and friend of mine says that being a Pentecostal Christian means knowing that "the task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us." He's a Pentecostal and wise man.
Prayer, the Sacraments, knowing, loving, and living the Gospel are the time proven ways that we become and stay Holy Spirit filled, formed and led. Let us each live the love that God puts in us and over us.
Peace,
Fr. Chuck
