From: The Life of Mary
As Seen by the Mystics
Before the homily I'd like to read a brief description of Pentecost that is found in the book, The Life of Mary as
Seen by the Mystics. The book is a brief summary of the writings of Venerable Mother Mary of Agreda, St. Bridget of
Sweden, Venerable Anne Catherine Emmerich, and St. Elizabeth of Schoenau. It is good to read the writing of mystics and
saints as they pertain to specific events. They, often, add additional detail, color, and further insight to what is
found in Sacred Scripture.
During the nine days before Pentecost, the Blessed Mother led an exalted retreat in the Cenacle with the Apostles.
During that time she prepared them for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Each day during the Novena, under Mary's guidance,
the Apostles united in heart, soul, and mind. And, as they prayed together, their fervor and charity increased
exponentially.
In the early morning hours of the Feast of Pentecost, the Blessed Mother urged the Apostles and disciples to pray
even more ardently, as their visitation by the Holy Spirit was at hand. And they lovingly did so.
Toward dawn, yet before sunrise, a luminous silvery cloud descended from Heaven and covered the entire city of
Jerusalem. An enormous mass of Light condensed over the Cenacle and became transparent, like a sun throwing out its
flames in all directions. Suddenly, the sound of a violent wind arose, like a cyclone approaching from above, and a
tremendous roaring filled the whole house. This disturbance gave way to a display of Light, a soft murmur and a warm,
healing breeze. From the cloud appeared rays which inter-crossed seven times in a fiery rainbow and fell like burning
drops onto the Cenacle.
At that moment the building, and everything in it, was flooded with a dazzling Light. The Apostles, and especially
the Blessed Virgin Mary, seemed to be blazing with a mystical, transparent luminosity. In rapture, they simultaneously
raised their heads and opened their mouths. Then into each mouth there fell a jet of Fire, as small tongues of live
flame, of varying intensity and color, filled each one with Divine Inspiration. They were filled with grace and endowed
with the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, Piety, Counsel, Fortitude and Fear.
The eleven were now transformed into true Apostles: purified, enlightened, and strengthened as they would lead others
to become faithful Christians.
Almost intoxicated with Joy, Faith, and Courage – Peter and the other Apostles, despite deadly perils everywhere,
went out into the city and boldly preached the message of Christ. “And there were added that day about 3,000 souls”.
And within seven days, there were 5,000 additional converts in the city of
Jerusalem.
Homily: Soar Like Eagles
by Dcn. Wyland Moncrief
Pentacost
Two butterflies are perched on a blade of grass on the side of the road. The yellow butterfly loves being a
butterfly. He loves dancing on the flowers and soaring high above the field. He loves performing acrobatics in the
wind and darting from place to place. He loves seeing the color of his wings transformed by the light. He rejoices in
the wind, the sky, and the flowers of the field. To him, they are not only gifts from God, but his own personal gifts.
The blue butterfly, however, doesn't fly very often. He prefers hopping around and staying close to the ground.
Most of his day is spent avoiding being blown from place to place by the wind from passing cars. Life, to him, consists
of avoiding dangers and finding safe havens.
One day, after a long heart to heart, the yellow butterfly says to his friend, “God has given you many gifts - gifts
not even given to man, But in living in fear, in failing to live out your true identity, you are missing out on the
life God intended for you.”
“You're a butterfly, but you seldom fly. You can soar through the skies, but, instead, cling to the earth. 'Do not
be afraid.' You are a caterpillar no longer. Stretch your wings. Soar
into the clouds. Rejoice in your transformation that is the Will of God. Rejoice in all the marvelous gifts He
has given you!”
And to each of you.
You, too, are magnificent creations of God. Our Lord says, “Do not be afraid”. “Peace be with you!” “For I know
well the plans I have in mind for you … plans for your welfare, not for woe! Plans to give you a future, full of hope.
When you call Me, when you go to pray to Me, I will listen to you. When you look for Me, you will find Me. Yes, when
you seek Me with all your heart, you will find Me with you.”
You are Children of God. “Once you were 'no people' but now you are God’s people” and have received His Mercy. You no longer belong to the world. You belong to God. So, rejoice in your transformation.
Be refreshed in the Holy Spirit. Pray that the flames of Pentecost touch you. Pray that the breath of God transforms
your heart, mind, and soul.
Give your all to God. Seek His Will in all things, and He will bless you in all that you do. God has given you many
gifts - gifts not even granted to the angels. Stay close to Him, united with the Holy Spirit, and you will prosper.
He will hear you when you call. He will be at your side. And united to Him, you will discover your true self, and will
be given the direction and courage to fulfill your true calling.
So, seek the plans God has in mind for you. Discern His Spirit. Rejoice in the mission He has prepared for you.
Each of you has received all the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Such is God's generosity. Such is His plan. He does not
send His disciples forth in timidity or ill-prepared, but sends them mightily armed with the Gifts of Holy Spirit for
all who follow His Will.
The prophet Isiah says, “They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagle's wings;
They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.” So, go forth,
throw open the locked doors. Let the Fire of the Holy Spirit fill you with His dazzling Light. Have Courage!
Embrace your true identity. Fulfill the mission to which you have been called. And, soar, like eagles, in His Love.
Baruch Hashem!
