Recent Notes from Rev. Willie J. Smith

Notes from Rev. Willie J. Smith

Notes From Rev. Willie J. Smith, May 24, 2026

Pentecost Sunday

Pentecost marks the end of the Great 50 Days of Easter and begins what called “Ordinary Time”.  Ordinary not in the sense of mundane but Ordinal, a time of learning what Jesus has been teaching during the liturgical year.  In addition to the Descent of the Spirit, the day is considered the birth of the Church. I feel that meaning gets put to the side.

What is the Church? The gospel message of the day is that in receiving Jesus Spirit the disciples and us are bearers of reconciliation. We are sent out to witness in word and action that God Spirit makes no distinctions.  Pentecost invites us to discern are we disciples of Jesus, “dedicated followers” or are we apostles “ a commissioned messengers”. There is a difference and having a sense of that difference will determine what Church is. I  have continued to stress the importance of discernment. Returning to my previous image of runners passing the baton. Are we taking the baton or are we not?

Pentecost is a time of pilgrimage, a time to kneel and pray: O Heavenly Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, who is present in all places and fills all things

Treasury of blessings and giver of life; come dwell in us and heal us. Amen.