Pentecost Sunday
June 12, 2011

A Heart to Receive
by Tom Cox

They tell of one lady in an Irish parish whose generosity was beyond
measure. However, try as they may, nobody succeeded in getting her to
accept any kindness or gift. One exasperated recipient of her many
kindnesses who experienced this trait in her said; “Maggie you’re a
generous lady, but you’re a horrid mean receiver.” (The  line is best
related with an Irish accent, where irony is understood and phrases
like “you’re horrid good” makes perfect sense! )

You gentle reader who receive this word, live among a generous people.
Perhaps you are such a person yourself. Your help has been asked on
countless occasions and you  have responded magnificently in giving of
your time and treasure, in parish, in your home, in your community.
But ask yourself this question: “how am I with receiving?”  Isn’t it
true that we don’t find being the recipient or dependent easy.
Independence, making your own way in life is “king” and deeply
cherished. It’s why some dread later life with the possibility of not
being able to get by independently, to do the smallest tasks. We can
find dependence thrust upon us. Some accept graciously, others rebel
and resist.

Today, Pentecost he says to us “Receive the Holy Spirit.” What spirit
is within you in these challenging times? We’ve seen the bad fruits of
the spirit of envy, anger, greed and hatred. Does the spirit of joy
and gratitude, love and unity, the spirit of joyfully going out to
other people- does that kind of spirit dwell in you. What do you need
to receive this Pentecost Sunday and will you open your heart to
receive it?

The psalm of today prayers “send forth your spirit O Lord and renew
the face of the earth.” What need renewing in me? In my life? In my
community?

There is a variety of gifts but always the same Spirit…working in all
sorts of different ways in different people.” [second reading]. What
gifts have “I” been given? When do I keep them to myself? When do I
share them for the common good? What gifts can I be more generous
with?  You cannot give what you are not prepared to receive first.

Come Holy Spirit

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

(Comments to Tom at tomascox@eircom.net )