Gulf Pine Catholic • May 22, 2026 5 THANKSGIVING NOVENA TO ST. JUDE O Holy St. Jude, Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special patronage in time of need, to you I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance. Help me in my present and urgent petition. In return I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked. St. Jude pray for us and all who invoke your aid. Amen. Say three Our Fathers, Hail Marys and Glorias. Publication must be promised. This Novena has never been known to fail. I have had my request granted. Publication promised. JCH MORE THAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS We are Professional Remembrance Planners Explore the many unique ways to honor and celebrate lives. Call or visit Bradford O’Keefe today. BRADFORD-O’KEEFE FUNERAL HOMES Professional. Compassionate. Digni ed. 228-374-5650 • Bradfordokeefe.com Opening Remarks -- Peace: A newspaper headline read, “Live like a combative realityTVstar, and youmay die young.” Researchers in Denmark found that those whose anger, critical spirit, and skepticism stir trouble and create turmoil were three times more likely to die in middle age than their peaceful peers. Conversely, a Harvard study found that those who regularly attend religious services have a 30% lower risk of depression, a 34% lower death rate, and a 47% lower divorce rate. So, where does peace come from? In today’s Gospel, Jesus greeted His disciples with, “Peace be with you.” Christ’s gift of peace is the assurance of reconciliation with God to all who accept His Lordship. St. Augustine wrote: “Peace is serenity of mind, tranquility of soul, simplicity of heart, and a bond of love with our creator.” Isn’t it time we lived more fully in the peace Jesus gives us? Power: Power always accompanies the Holy Spirit’s presence. Sacred Scripture records dramatic moments when people encountered God. The Lectionary offers Old Testament readings for the Saturday evening Pentecost Vigil Mass. God’s power confused the language of those building Babel’s tower, destroying pride in their achievements apart from Him (Genesis 11:19). God caused dry bones to come together as a people of praise (Ezekiel 37:1-14). God promised to pour out His Spirit on all flesh (Joel 3:1-5). As Jesus’ disciples gathered for the Pentecost feast, events foretold in the Old Testament readings were revealed again in power. A sudden noise and driving wind filled the house where they were. Tongues of fire appeared, filling them all with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:2-4). The confusion of language at Babel was reversed into understanding. Events in scripture follow a pattern whereby people encounter God. First, God prepares them for the coming miracles. Second, God assures them that He will deliver the spectacular. Third, God provides evidence of His presence through fire, noise, wind, and divine signs. Fourth, God’s promises are fulfilled. Fifth, those experiencing the events take immediate action. The Book of Acts records how Jesus’ disciples (the Church) responded to their encounter with the risen Christ and how they used the gifts of the Holy Spirit received at Pentecost. They mimicked Jesus’works by preaching, teaching, healing, faith, evangelizing, mercy, charity, administration, and organization, while calling others to discipleship. This same Holy Spirit empowerment you and I received at Baptism and Confirmation continues as we live the sacramental life and demands action from us. Reflect: How soon after receivingConfirmation did you understand the power you received? How long did it take you to act, like Jesus, the Old Testament heroes of faith, the first-century disciples, and/or the saint whose name you took as your own? How can you respond now to the Holy Spirit’s prompting? How can you become more like Jesus every day? Purpose: The peace and power of the Holy Spirit should naturally lead to a sense of purpose. What does God want me to do with my gifts, time, and talents? Our model is Jesus. The scriptures clearly show Jesus as first and foremost being in constant communication with God the Father through prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ disciples repeatedly misunderstood His spending whole evenings alone with the Father, not only when an important decision had to be made, but also in the daily course of His life. Mother Teresa required that her Sisters of Charity spend one hour before the Blessed Sacrament before beginning their ministry to the poor. When they complained, she increased the requirement to two hours. Those of us who serve the Lord in various ways can be slow to grasp this. Simply put, God must be first in all we think, say, and do. Only from that position can ministry activity be lasting and effective. Reflect: Can our ministries be effective without the deeper commitment to God that Jesus demonstrated? Possibly. However, peace would not be experienced in its fullness. Power would have to be generated by our own energy. And true purpose would always be subject to our whim. If we do not follow Jesus’ model of oneness with God, we will fail to give God His due. “The Spirit is given to those who proclaim the word, as well as to those who hear it. What was true of the Church at its beginning remains true today. If there is no Spirit present, there is no evangelization.” Pope Paul VI -- On Evangelization in the Modern World. Believe in the Holy Spirit’s power and always allow the Holy Spirit to lead you in obedience to God’s will. Let us pray: Come, Holy Spirit, fill my heart with the power of your love. Deacon Ralph Torrelli is retired and lives in Tennessee. Visit his website: www. homilypearls.com. 1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11 Responsorial Psalm: 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34 2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13 Gospel: John 20:19-23 Pentecost Sunday Peace, power, purpose Deacon Torrelli Sunday Scripture Commentaries
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