Spring 2023 Four County Catholic
'The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit'
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
The celebration of Easter is much more than a one-day experience. Eastertide continues for 49 days, culminating in the Holy Spirit anointing the apostles and the Church at Pentecost.
After the events of Holy Week, the disciples hid behind locked doors in the Upper Room out of fear. They were fearful of those in power who tortured and killed Jesus.
Their fear is our fear. Sometimes, we are fearful of standing up for what is right. Sometimes, it can be as simple as letting others know that we are people of faith. The apostles left the Upper Room, but only after they had been strengthened by the Holy Spirit.
We have experienced that same strengthening when we were anointed at our confirmation.
Recently, there have been a few examples of fearlessness that played out in the public media. One might call them countercultural.
Harrison Butker, the 27-year-old kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs, is outspoken about his Catholic faith. He made the game-winning kick in the most recent Super Bowl. Giving glory to God, he said this about his Catholic faith, “I think it really entices a lot of young people who are looking for answers. They’re looking for happiness. And for me, I found happiness in embracing the faith offered in the Catholic Church.”
In the world of basketball, Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzella, a devout Catholic, was asked by a reporter “Did you get a chance to meet with the royal family, and if not, what was it like having them there in the building?“ She was referring to Prince William and Princess Kate of Wales, who attended the Celtics game. His reply: “Jesus, Mary and Joseph? I only know of one royal family.“
His response was so innocent and refreshing. Spoken totally without fear of embarrassment or being judged. A husband and father not afraid to live and share his faith.
Easter strengthens us as Christians and inspires us the whole year to be mindful of our faith’s gift of eternal life, and to be grateful, helpful and loving to each other at every opportunity.
The generosity of a compassionate follower of Jesus Christ begins with a thankful heart. We may share our gratitude by way of encouraging others. Offering words of comfort. Sharing our time and energy to help those in need. Being willing to be steadily supportive of our diocesan ministries. We are at our compassionate best when we are united as a community of faith.
God endows us … with Himself. We are called to a divine love. This is the Christian destiny. God calls us to sanctity, which can only be achieved after an experience of the fire of God’s love.
This is Pentecost. We received an outpouring of the Holy Spirit at our baptism and confirmation, and we continue this outpouring every time we receive the Eucharist.
I pray that you do not remain locked in your “upper room, but instead find yourself transformed by this outpouring of grace. Step out, be fearless and share it with others.
Today, I call upon the Holy Spirit, the love of God Himself, who was breathed out upon the disciples at Pentecost in tongues of fire. May the Holy Spirit breathe new life within us, within the Church. We ask the Holy Spirit to transform us with the fire of God’s love.
Have a blessed Pentecost.
Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Michael R. Cote
Bishop of Norwich