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June 5, 2022Dear Parishioners,
Barely a week later and another terrible incident of gun violence. In light of these and other evil events we keep our focus on the cross and the resurrection. The crucified and risen Christ show us that evil does not get the last word. At the same time, we can pull from the vast resources of Catholic moral theology to strategize how to prevent or mitigate these types of events. Two principles stand out: the right to self-defense and the government’s duty to promote the common good. Gun ownership is not an intrinsic evil due to the need to protect oneself using lethal force and the ability to hunt for food. At the same time, the need to protect the common good of society grants legislators the ability to regulate what kind of gun a person can own, and who can own one. Promoting gun regulation is a legitimate strategy moving forward.
This weekend Bishop Tobin ordained Deacon Mark Gadoury to the priesthood. The ordination of a man who has been preparing through prayer, study, and charitable works is a wonderful blessing for us all. It takes many years of preparation to become a priest. It also takes the support and encouragement of the faithful. Please continue to pray for, now, Fr. Mark Gadoury. Please pray and offer a word of encouragement as well as for our summer seminarian Mr. Joseph Brodeur who has arrived fresh off the plane from Rome.
Also, this weekend the Church throughout the world celebrates Pentecost. For Christians, Pentecost marks the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Church. Jesus tells us that he will send an advocate to remind us of His words and to strengthen us to spread the Gospel. The Holy Spirit is the New Law written on our hearts that takes the place of the old Law. The Law was originally given in stone tablets but now written on the hearts of believers.
The Book of Acts tells us that on Pentecost the disciples are gathered in the upper room when there is rush of mighty wind and tongues of fire. Mary and the Apostles are filled with the Spirit of God. This reminds us of Ezekiel 37 where God resurrects the dead and ushers in the end times. The tongues of fire are linked with God’s judgment, especially in the preaching of John the Baptist. Hence the early Christians considered themselves to be the eschatological people of Israel living in the last age inaugurated by Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. We live in a new period for the human race: the period of Grace transmitted to us by the Church. The next age to come will be when Christ returns at His Second Coming.
We experience Pentecost and the Gift of the Holy Spirit first at Baptism and then fully at Confirmation. Like the Apostles, the Spirit expands the Church by strengthening us to spread the Word. This continues the work of Jesus, his founding of the Church, and the continuing guidance and sanctification of the Church. “The Holy Spirit, who guides the ministry of the apostles, builds up the Church by being the principle of personal sanctification of believes, by animating their actions through charity, and by inspiring their witness.” So we say: “Come, Holy Spirit.”
In the Ascended Christ!
Fr. Barrow
