Pentecost 2021
The anguish of people in India, where corona virus is like a spree killer, is the headline in the media now. Many concerned people ask me about the well-being of my people back in the midst of this pandemic. By the grace of God most of my people are doing okay, though the spread of virus all around them is causing a lot of anxiety. It is very comforting for my people and me that so many are able to understand the anguish of them and relate to them. Understanding what others want to communicate and relating to them is the essence of language. When you understand the hopes and disappointments, joys and sorrows, of others, it is a great communication which can bring about a good experience which pride and arrogance cannot do.
There is a story in the Book of Genesis about people who wanted to challenge God and build a tower that could reach heaven. Because it was an act of arrogance and pride God punished them. The plan for the Tower became a total failure. The people of Babel lacked the qualities of love, selflessness and trust in God, they could not communicate with each other. They were like people of different languages not understanding each other. Pentecost is the reversal of the Babel event. Now the disciples of Jesus, having received the Holy Spirit are able to communicate with people in their diversity. What was scattered then, is gathered together now by the Holy Spirit. This new gathering of believers was the beginning of the Church. That means, Pentecost is the birthday of the Church.
COVID19 has been a shattering experience in all aspects of life including the Church gatherings. We tried to keep up the spirit of Christian fellowship through YouTube Masses and similar activities. But none of the technical media is a substitute for the actual Eucharistic gathering. Because they cannot provide the Sacrament of Holy Communion with the risen Lord. Now that times are favourable, we shall celebrate our Communion gatherings, making ourselves true members of the Body of Christ, the Church.
It is not just the pandemic that is challenging our gatherings for Holy Communion with Jesus. The rat race for money making, sports and recreation-centred life style, the culture of death like euthanasia and abortion do not help you to celebrate your Communion with the Body of Christ. any Christian disciples feel intimidated to practice their faith. But be bold enough to celebrate the Holy Communion, participating in the sacraments of Reconciliation and other Sacraments. Let not the world around rule your life. Let us not give in to any anxiety about life. Neither shall we behave like people who are unable to communicate with God and with one another. Let us celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit. As people who understand each other, let us communicate with God and people in the name of Christ.
