Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. On Pentecost, we celebrate the birth of our Church, born in the Spirit promised by Jesus himself. The reading from the Acts of the Apostles describes for us the diversity present in the first members of the Church and how that diversity became a source of unity.

Shortly after being filled with the Holy Spirit, the apostles were joined by Jews and Gentiles from different regions and nations, women and men of diverse customs and languages who were all filled with the same Spirit. Together they celebrated God’s deeds and power at work in their lives.

Today, as Church, we welcome people from all parts of the world. Sometimes there are new groups who have not been part of our Church for long and who come with different customs and traditions. As Christians, our faith calls us to move beyond simple accommodation to become people who welcome, celebrate, and embrace each other’s differences as we share our experiences of God’s deeds and power at work in our lives.

As we celebrate Pentecost, let us remember that the diversity around us is a source of blessings through which we can better experience God’s love in countless new ways. May we be signs of openness and generosity of spirit.

Connie Paré