Happy Birthday!
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June 3, 2022Dear St. Paul Family and Friends,
The great Solemnity of Pentecost, the conclusion of the season of Easter, signals the birth of the Church. Jesus promised his disciples before he ascended to the Father that they will be “clothed with power from on high” before they are sent out to “preach in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” (Lk. 24, 46- 49) And when the time of the fulfillment of this promise came, “there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind… and there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.” (Acts 2, 1-3)
Right after this had happened, Peter, the first Pope, inspired by the Holy Spirit, effectively preached his “first” homily to the Jews and non-Jews alike. He opened the scriptures and preached about the crucified Lord and how he was raised from the dead. We are told that those who were there were “cut to the heart,” “accepted his message” and were baptized, and “about three thousand persons were added that day.” (See Acts 2, 14-41).
This Solemnity, however, is not simply a sentimental remembering of that day. It should make us remember the moments in our Christian life when we also received the Holy Spirit – in Baptism and Confirmation. St. Peter tells those who listened to him that day that they ought to be baptized “in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the Holy Spirit.” So the Holy Spirit dwells within us in baptism, and the completion of the baptismal grace is in the sacrament of Confirmation. Our catechism teaches us that “by the sacrament of confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit.” (CCC 1285) We then are called, like the first disciples and apostles of Christ, to participate in the divine life of God and become his witnesses in the world, opening the hearts of the people, calling them to repentance and forgiveness of sins, and proclaiming his wondrous love for all.
Aside from the fact that today is the Church’s birthday, it is also my birthday today. 39 years ago on June 5th, I was born to very humble parents, Mr. and Mrs. Santos Pilotin, Jr. They gave me with two very holy names, Joseph Christian, without having any inkling that I would not only become a Christian, but I would also become a father to many Christians, like St. Joseph. Certainly, my name set for me the path that I must walk. I thank the Lord for giving me life and for allowing me to spend this same life serving him in his vineyard. I ask that you continue praying for me. Priesthood is not an easy life but your prayers and support assure me that everything will be alright.
Do I ask for a gift? YES! If you can donate generously to DDF this weekend, I will be very happy. It will give me peace of mind if I can have an assurance that we can achieve our goal this year, and more so if we will have some rebates for the many repairs we need to do for the Church. Hopefully, this is not too much to ask. I am asking with a lot of courage and humility. Thank you and blessings be upon you!
