Sunday, May 23, is Pentecost, which officially ends the season of Easter. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit on thedisciples following the Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit gave the disciples the strength and courage to do what Jesus called them to do before he was crucified: “Go into the whole world and tell the Good News.”
Each of us has a unique calling to carry out this mandate and to speak to the world by our life. It plays out in every relationship you are in, every encounter you have, how you use your gifts, and what you do with your time.
The same is true for every other person. Look around you. Think of people you know who are sharing the Good News in all kinds of ways. If we pay attention, we will notice how frequently we encounter people who are expressing aspects of the gospel.
Today, Pope Francis invites us to see the entirety of our life as mission. His blessing to us is: “May you come to realize what that word is, the message of Jesus that God wants to speak to the world with your life.” (Gaudete et Exsultate 23-24).