by The Most Rev. Joseph J. Raffaele
Archbishop, American Orthodox Catholic Church, Western Rite
We celebrate Pentecost Sunday with a traditional wish of "Happy Birthday", for this day is regarded as the official birthday of the church.
You know the story: the apostles were in the upper room, locked up out of fear and for safety. Mary, Jesus' mother [who was] probably with them, when a great wind occurred and what we interpret as tongues of fire appeared on the heads of those who were there. Today if you look at the headdress of a bishop, it might remind you of the tongue of fire, as bishops are the successors of the apostles.
We further read that Peter, full of the Spirit, suddenly became courageous, stepped outside and began to preach great tidings of joy to anyone who would listen, and to help things along, the Holy Spirit gave him the gift of speaking in different languages simultaneously.
Scripture further tells of conversions to the faith that day. The Holy Spirit was at work that day giving impetus to Christ's Bride the Church. Not to take away anything from the Holy Spirit, but just to mention that it seems Mary is in the picture for every important moment in the life of the Lord, and the Church. She is the Mother of the Church and along with the Holy Spirit, continually works to bring us closer to Jesus and the the Father. Recently there was an announcement coming from a rural mountain area in France that alleged apparitions were recently approved for the faithful.This tells us Mary is still working along side the Spirit to bring life to the Church.
I know I am stretching things a bit if I say that the Feast of Pentecost can also be secondarily regarded as a feast of Mary, but we know wherever you find Mary, that's where you'll find Jesus as well.
Happy Pentecost (Happy Birthday!)
This Sunday's sermon is given by Archbishop Joseph J. Raffaele, who serves as Metropolitan Primate of the American Orthodox Catholic Church, Western Rite. Archbishop Raffaele is also the Rector of St. Gregory the Great Cathedral in Long Island, New York.
Archbishop, American Orthodox Catholic Church, Western Rite
We celebrate Pentecost Sunday with a traditional wish of "Happy Birthday", for this day is regarded as the official birthday of the church.You know the story: the apostles were in the upper room, locked up out of fear and for safety. Mary, Jesus' mother [who was] probably with them, when a great wind occurred and what we interpret as tongues of fire appeared on the heads of those who were there. Today if you look at the headdress of a bishop, it might remind you of the tongue of fire, as bishops are the successors of the apostles.
We further read that Peter, full of the Spirit, suddenly became courageous, stepped outside and began to preach great tidings of joy to anyone who would listen, and to help things along, the Holy Spirit gave him the gift of speaking in different languages simultaneously.
Scripture further tells of conversions to the faith that day. The Holy Spirit was at work that day giving impetus to Christ's Bride the Church. Not to take away anything from the Holy Spirit, but just to mention that it seems Mary is in the picture for every important moment in the life of the Lord, and the Church. She is the Mother of the Church and along with the Holy Spirit, continually works to bring us closer to Jesus and the the Father. Recently there was an announcement coming from a rural mountain area in France that alleged apparitions were recently approved for the faithful.This tells us Mary is still working along side the Spirit to bring life to the Church.
I know I am stretching things a bit if I say that the Feast of Pentecost can also be secondarily regarded as a feast of Mary, but we know wherever you find Mary, that's where you'll find Jesus as well.
Happy Pentecost (Happy Birthday!)
This Sunday's sermon is given by Archbishop Joseph J. Raffaele, who serves as Metropolitan Primate of the American Orthodox Catholic Church, Western Rite. Archbishop Raffaele is also the Rector of St. Gregory the Great Cathedral in Long Island, New York.
