Today is a day of immense joy, for not only do we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost, but we also celebrate the Baptism and Confirmation of Zachary and Dylan. These two men, our brothers in Christ, are now embarking on their spiritual journey, set aflame by the Holy Spirit's power of love.
Just as the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles at the first Pentecost, the Spirit now comes upon Zachary and Dylan, to guide them in their walk with Christ.
Zachary, Dylan, remember this: love is the way, the truth, and the life.
This love that we talk about is not a feeling or an emotion, but a decision, a commitment. It's the choice to imitate Christ, to follow Him, to strive for a relationship with Him. It's the choice to forgive when it's easier to hold a grudge, to extend a helping hand when it's easier to walk away, to spread joy when it's easier to spread negativity.
You, Zachary and Dylan, are on a path now to experience and demonstrate that redemptive power of love. The love of Christ, the love that transformed the world, is now in your hearts.
This divine fire of love, the Holy Spirit, empowers us all to be agents of change in this world. It pushes us towards the kind of love that sees beyond differences, that respects the dignity of all, that uplifts the weak, and that brings light to the darkest corners of our world.
Zachary, Dylan, you are now part of this amazing journey of love. You are emboldened with the same Spirit that filled the disciples at Pentecost.
Embrace this Spirit. Let it guide you, comfort you, challenge you, and inspire you. As you grow in faith, remember the commandments that Jesus emphasized: “Love the Lord your God,” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
When love is your way, you are truly living in the Spirit of Pentecost. Your lives will become beacons of God’s grace, manifesting His Kingdom here on earth. Love is the key to unlocking the fullness of life, a life in the Holy Spirit.
So today, as we celebrate this Feast of Pentecost and the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation, let us renew our commitment to love. Let’s allow the Holy Spirit to refire our hearts and rekindle our passion for God and for one another.
For truly, there is power in love, and never should we underestimate it. Today, we are witnesses to that power, as we see the love of the Holy Spirit shining brightly in Zachary and Dylan.
May we all strive to carry this flame of love within us, to illuminate our paths and the paths of others, now and always.