Dear Holy People of God:
 
PENTECOST! Today, Jesus breathes in us the Holy Spirit:
 
“Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you. Receive the HOLY SPIRIT. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,and whose sins you retain are retained.”
 
As a people filled then with the Holy Spirit, let us celebrate this day as a NEW PENTECOST of COVENANT:
 
* a NEW PENTECOST OF PEACE that challenges every person of goodwill to become genuine and courageous peacemakers in this world of violence, war and scandals.
 
* a NEW PENTECOST OF FORGIVENESS that offers healing, conversion and compassion which constantly changing our hearts of stone into hearts of flesh.
 
* a NEW PENTECOST OF CHRISTIAN SERVICE that boldly challenges us to become disciples who constantly serve each other without counting the cost, and if necessary, even willing to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
 
Now, as we are commissioned by Jesus to renew the broken face of humanity with the spirit of PEACE, FORGIVENESS and CHRISTIAN SERVICE, let the following prayer of hospitality becomes our prayer in our tables of fellowship and meals:
 
Loving God, your kingdom is a festive gathering for all people of every race and color – a table at which the lonely finds company, the hungry savors rich foods and fine wine, and strangers enjoy warm family ties. Jesus calls us to build this kingdom here on earth.
 
Teach us, Lord, the ways of hospitality. Give us the SPIRIT of joyful welcome and the sensitivity to help people on the move feel they belong.
 
Grant that our tables at home draw our new neighbors from other lands into a loving community and that the Eucharistic tables in our parishes may prefigure that the banquet in heaven where all are one with you: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
 
God bless you all!