Well, it’s here! Finally! It is Pentecost!
Pentecost takes place on the 50th day after Easter Sunday and commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Mary, the beloved mother of Jesus, and the Apostles of Jesus, while they were in Jerusalem celebrating the Feast of Weeks, as described in the Acts of the Apostles. This feast day also marks the beginning of the Christian church’s mission to the world. Ironically, it is also today that I celebrate the anniversary of my ordination to the priesthood.
I was recently given a gift by a parishioner to honor my anniversary. A book! A very small, simple, but humbling book called, “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari: A Fable About Fulfilling Your Dreams and Reaching Your Destiny,” by Robin Sharma. It is an inspiring tale that provides a step-by-step approach to living with greater courage, balance, abundance, and joy. The story is of Julian Mantle, a lawyer forced to confront the spiritual crisis of his out-of-balance life, and the subsequent wisdom that he gains on a life-changing odyssey that enables him to create a life of passion, purpose, and of peace.
The parishioner who gave it thought it me said that I was strong and dedicated because I did the things that I fear most, but I needed to find rest, too. I guess I do that every day, despite myself and my often-paralyzing anxiety that I will fail; not myself, but others. However, what I also discovered is that I have a long way to go in my journey, and while this book, and its story, mirrored much of my life, I prayerfully hope it will also be where I will end up one day if I continue to allow myself to change and to remain grounded and dedicated to others, not myself, but to rest as I work, too!
The universe favors the brave, they say. The brave for me is someone who gets out of their own way and humbles themselves to be a true servant to others.
I sit and wait for God’s still voice again.
Blessed Pentecost! Come, Holy Spirit, Come!
Monsignor +Jim