Our Lady Queen of Peace

Pentecost Sunday
Our Lady Queen of Peace
May 19, 2013
4696 Notre Dame Lane, House Springs, Mo 63051 636-671-3062
www.olqpparish.org
May 19, 2013
PASTOR
Reverend Michael Murphy
ASSOCIATES
Reverend James Beighlie, C.M.
Reverend Donald F. Molitor, Retired
DEACONS
Reverend Dr. Thomas Gerling
Reverend Mr. Paul Turek, Sr.
MUSIC DIRECTOR
Mr. Bob Ellison
GRADE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL/PRESCHOOL
Ms. Renée Chauvin
PSR COORDINATOR
Mrs. Debra O’Donnell
YOUTH MINISTER COORDINATOR
Mrs. Terry Ostlund
PARISH COUNCIL
Thomas Broadbent, Sandee Burkemper, Bev Gregory,
René Heibeck, David Holmes, Taylor Layton,
Dave Mills, Donna Otzenberger, Jan Schultheiss,
Tim Webb, Linda Weber
Parish Office
School
Cafeteria
SCHEDULE OF MASSES
Saturday Evening
671-3062
671-0247
375-5335
5:00 pm
(Rosary before Mass - Fatima Prayers included on 1st Sat.)
Sunday
7:30, 9:30, 11:30 am
Holy Days
as announced
Weekdays
8:00 am
PERPETUAL HELP DEVOTIONS
Tuesday after 8:00am Mass
ROSARY FOR VOCATIONS
2nd Monday of each month after 8:00 am Mass
ROSARY FOR PEACE
Every Monday evening at 7:30 pm
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
First and third Sunday of the month after 11:30 am Mass
Make arrangements by calling Parish Office
SACRAMENT OF PENANCE
Saturday
4:00 - 4:45 pm or by appointment
SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY
As soon as marriage is contemplated, contact one of
the parish priests.
Welcome to Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish
Registration forms may be found on our website (olqpparish.org/parishregistration.htm), in the Church
lobby or you may stop by the Parish Office to fill one out. If you have recently changed your status, married,
moved out of your parents’ home or graduated from high school, you need to re-register. Please help us
keep our records accurate.
Pentecost Sunday
May 19, 2013
Upcoming OLQP Parish Events
2013
May
Sat 18
Preschool Graduation
OLQP Golf Tournament
June
Sat 8
Thur 27
OLQP Picnic
OLQP Blood Drive
July
Sun 7
Hope Builders Summer Service Week
August
Sat 17
Sun 25
Knights of Columbus Fairmont Horse
Races
Ladies Auxiliary Quarter Auction and
Vendor Fair
Daughters of Isabella Tailgate Sale
September
Sun 22
Sun 29
OLQP Quilt Social
Fall Festival
October
Sat 12
Harvest Moon Auction
We Made Our Goal!
Thanks to all who contributed to the Annual Catholic
Appeal. Each parish is assigned a goal to meet and once
again, we reached our goal, raising over $54,000. The
support that we give enables the church in its various
ministries and services to continue the work of Jesus
Christ in our world. Many of us will probably never
know the full impact that we have made in the lives of
others with our contributions until we are with Jesus.
Thank you for deciding to contribute to the work of
Christ!
A Good Time Will Be Had By All
The parish picnic is fast approaching and there is so
much to do. It takes a lot of people and a lot of work to
make the picnic a success. We instinctively judge the
success of a picnic or festival by the amount of money
that we make for the parish. Of course, the money is
important and we certainly need it. But for me, one of the
important signs of a successful picnic is that despite the
work and the struggles, we make it FUN!! It’s very hard
for some of our workers to have fun at the picnic,
working in booths all day long because there are not
enough volunteers. If you have not done so, please sign
up to work for a couple of hours at the picnic and bring
with you an attitude of “fun”. Make your work fun by
signing up with family members or some friends. Invite
and encourage someone who hasn’t volunteered at the
picnic before to come and join you. I really hope that
everyone who attends our picnic this year can walk away
saying, “we had a really good time!”.
~fr. mike
Parish Activities
Mon
May 20
Tues
May 21
Fri
May 24
Meeting to meet Mr. Baker, 6:30 pm,
Cafeteria
Child care for meeting, 6:30 pm, Cafeteria
meeting room
Rosary for Peace, 7:30 pm, Church
Perpetual Devotions after 8 am Mass
Quilters, 9 am - 3 pm, 6 - 8:30 pm
Finance Meeting, 6;30 pm, Rectory
Last day for OLQP grade school
Annual Memorial Day Mass
House Springs Cemetery
9:00 am
In the event of rain the celebration of Mass will take
place in our Church at 9:00 am, we will send a parish
email to notify you of the change.
Pentecost Sunday
May 19, 2013
Youth Council News
School News
Congratulations to Mrs. Ostlund for
her successful grant application! She
has received a $1,000.00 grant from
the Archdiocese to support the upper
grades’ religion project of
“Reaching Around the World”.
On Saturday, April 26, six OLQP students represented
our school at the Bellarmine Speech Finals held at Barat
Academy. The performances of their speeches were
outstanding and so were the results.
Clare S. and Tabetha O. - Duet, Red Ribbons
Madison G. & Kate M. - Duet, Blue Ribbons
Allison K.- Humorous, Blue Ribbon
Saranae T. - Humorous, Trophy for placing in the top
20% of all humorous speeches!
Thank you for all your hard work and for so
successfully representing our school! (And a big thanks
to Mrs. Kenney and Jane for coaching the team!)
Monday, May 20th, all graduating seniors are invited
to a pizza party from 4 - 6pm. It will be held outside,
down by school, if the weather is nice. If it is raining we
will have it in the junior high building. We hope to see
you there.
Wednesday, June 5th, all high school youth (including
all of the newly confirmed) are invited to help set-up for
the parish picnic from 5 - 8 pm. From 8 - 9 pm we will
have a meeting with the teens. Our Youth Council
leaders, David Holmes and Taylor Layton want your
input and ideas to help shape the youth group you want
here at OLQP.
Thursday, June 6th, St. Louis Super Saints,our Junior
High Youth Group (includes next year’s 7th and 8th
grade youth), will help with Picnic set-up from 5 - 8 pm.
From 8 - 9 pm we will have some snacks and play some
games. Find out how fun helping can be.
OLQP Preschool
Registration
Save your child a spot at OLQP
Preschool. Registration for the
2013-2014 school year has begun.
Contact Laura, 636-671-3062
(ask for preschool), or email
laura.cortner@olqpparish.org for
more information.
Resource (Guide Book) and Directory
Advertising Opportunity
Guide Book Publishing (contracted by J S Paluch, our
bulletin company) will publish a Resource Book and
Directory for our parishioners that will be updated and
delivered directly to your home. This book will be the
Who, What, Where, When, Why and How of our
community. The book is being provided at no cost to our
Church. Local businesses are being solicited to advertise
in the book. If you own or manage a business and would
like to find out about advertising in our book, please call
the Parish Office, 636-671-3062.
Recent survey results by Guide Book Publishing show
that 92.1% of families would rather patronize a Guide
Book & Directory advertiser over a non-advertiser. It
“will pay” to advertise in our new Guide Book &
Directory.
Update Membership Information
Does our database have YOUR family membership
record correct?
Here is your chance to update YOUR record for our
annual Resource Book & Directory (if you haven’t already
done so).
It is time for us to update our database with any changes,
additions, or deletions that may have occurred in YOUR
family over the past year. Thank you if you have already
done this.
Have you changed your phone number? Have you
moved? Are you preparing to move soon? Are all of your
children still at home and are they all included in your
membership record?
Do you want your record published?
If you have not already informed the Parish Office
about changes to your record, please let us know now so
that the information in the Resource Book and Directory
is correct.
You can reach the Parish Office, 636-671-3062, or email
parishoffice@olqpparish.org.
Thank you for your help!!
Pentecost Sunday
Jogging for Jesus 5K
OLQP Grade School Run Club is
hosting a 5K at Route 66 Park on the
morning of June 8th. At this time, we are
looking for sponsors to donate $50 for a
spot on the
T-Shirt. If you are interested in being a sponsor contact
Julia Enghauser (julia.enghauser@olqpparish.org) or
April Pieper (april.pieper@olqpparish.org). All proceeds
will benefit the school and parish.
May 19, 2013
2013 Garden Tour
Sponsored by Cedar Hill
Firefighter Auxiliary
June 2nd - 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Rain or Shine
The Cedar Hill Firefighter Auxiliary is
sponsoring the 9th Annual Garden Tour. All proceeds
will go to the firefighters needs. It will be held rain or
shine. All gardens are very unique. Homeowners will be
available to answer any questions. This is an opportunity
to network with other gardeners, learn more about
gardening or just to enjoy the scenery. The gardens are
located 10 miles from 270 and Highway 30 going west .
Tickets are $10 each. For more information or to
purchase your tickets please call Linda Van Deven,
Picnic Volunteer Sign up
After all Masses
May 11th through June 2nd
636-274-3891. Tickets may also be purchased the day of
the tour at the Cedar Hill Fire House and at each garden.
Watch for the yellow signs.
Join in the fun at the parish picnic by volunteering.
We need your help to make this year’s Picnic (June 8th) a
huge success. Sign up online or after all the Masses
starting May 11th through June 2nd.
June 27, 2 to 7 pm
Summer Blood Donors Needed
Women ACTS Retreat
LaSalle Retreat Center
June 13 - 16
A faith filled weekend for women 18 years of age and
older. The retreat begins on Thursday, June 13, at 6:00 pm
and concludes on Sunday, June 16, after an 11:00 am
Mass and social hour.
The cost of the retreat is $225 (deposit of $75 required
with the application), sponsorship is available by calling
Jo Ann Cassidy, 636-938-6122.
To be eligible to donate on June 27
you cannot donate elsewhere
after May 2nd.
You might not think of it, but when you donate blood
you are actually donating time to a critically ill patient.
Your donation gives these patients the opportunity to
share more time with family members and loved ones;
opportunities that must not be overlooked. Many of you
already give blood on a regular basis and for this, your
commitment is greatly appreciated. But if you haven’t
given blood before, this is your chance to help someone
in need with a small amount of work on your part.
Giving blood is an excellent way to show caring,
compassion and generosity toward your neighbor.
Pentecost Sunday
May 19, 2013
Congratulations Confirmation Class of 2013
Brent Adams (St. Ambrose)
Briar Bolte (St. Michael)
Mark Chafin (St. Joseph)
Meredith Coffey (St. Anne)
Donald Constantz (St. John)
Rachel Cundy (St. Cecilia)
Bri ney Fernandez (St. Maria)
Jacob Fischbach (St. Sebas an)
Michael Fri s (St. Bernard)
Nicholas Gal (St. Andrew)
Marissa Ginger (St. Cecilia)
Walker Go man (St. Joseph)
Ma hew Graf (St. John)
Rose Haug (St. Lucy)
Garret Heibeck (St. Cyril)
Dylan Hennis (St. Michael)
Jane Kenney (St. Kateri)
Ladies and Gentlemen
Church Cleaners Needed
Zachary Layton (St. Francis)
Cassidy Love (St. Cole e)
Zachary Morlock (St. Michael)
John Paul Myers (St. Stanislaus)
Thomas Nekic (St. John)
Sabrina Otzenberger (St. Josephine)
Marie Pa ent (St. Joan)
Benjamin Pigue (St. Samuel)
Kimberly Queen (St. Adelaide)
Mason Riley (St. Patrick)
Garret Surdyke (St. Sebas an)
Joel Tamborski (St. Bernard)
Daniel Theiss (St. Sebas an)
Jordan Townsend (St. Therése)
Bridget Turney (St. Lydia)
Claire Webb (St. Bernade e)
Joseph Wigge (St. Francis)
Alexander Younkins (St. Isidore)
Now Available on OLQP Website
We are in need of a few volunteers to
join us in helping to clean the Church.
The work is not hard, just some dusting,
vacuuming, washing a few windows, etc. It takes just an
hour or so once every 5 weeks with a team of 4
volunteers. If you can spare that time and help us out,
please call Joanne David, 636-274-0590.
Did you know our parish has an online store where
you can find over 12,000 items ranging from gifts to
artwork and resources for problems such as addiction,
relationships, parenting and more? Visit the Parish
WebStore by simply clicking on the Parish WebStore
banner found on our parish website today!
We would like to thank
all our advertisers
for advertising in our parish bulletin.
Because of their generosity we do not
pay for our bulletins to be printed.
Please patronize our advertisers and
thank them for supporting our parish.
St. Vincent De Paul
As you place your gift in St. Vincent de Paul
poor boxes, know that you are a sign of God’s
love to those who are suffering and you give
them hope.
Pentecost Sunday
May 19, 2013
Memorial Fundraiser For
Cancer Research
Music
Seasonal Responses
The 7th Annual Pizza Shack Fundraiser in memory of
There is an individual Responsorial
Psalm that is different before each
Gary David will be held Saturday, June 1st, at the Pizza
Gospel reading. The Responsorial
Shack Restaurant in St. Clair (130 Hwy AB at the service
Psalm is the prayer that follows the first reading.
road).
Generally the first reading is taken from the Old
This year’s Cruising for a Cure Poker Run will begin at
Testament. Thematically the Responsorial Psalm follows.
Fast Eddies Bonair in Alton, IL and end at the Pizza
Then either a second reading, taken from the New
Shack. Registration begins at 10:30 am. All cars, trucks
Testament and the Gospel or if the second reading is
and motorcycles welcome. The grand prize of a 2013
omitted, we go right into the Gospel reading.
Camaro will be awarded for a Royal Flush. Food, fun,
Some people have asked why we don’t always use the
50/50’s, prizes and raffles are also included at the
Response Psalm that is in our missal. As music ministers
restaurant throughout the day until 8:00 pm. So come out
we are permitted to use what is known as Seasonal
for a good time even if you do not cruise for the Poker
Responses. For instance, during Advent I use the
Run. All proceeds will go to Cancer Research at the
response “My Soul In Stillness Waits”. During Lent we
Siteman Cancer Center. For more information, please call
sing, “Be With Me Lord When I Am In Trouble,” and
Joanne David, 636-274-0590. Entry fee is $25.00.
“With The Lord There Is Mercy And Fullness Of
Redemption”. During Easter we sing, “This Is The Day”.
You may also go on Facebook and search for Pizza
Shack Cruising for a Cure.
The advantage to using seasonal responses is that their
melodies become familiar and help us engage in and
identify with the season. Many times parishioners will
say that when they hear “My Soul In Stillness Waits”, it
helps set the mood and tone of the season. “Ah Advent!”
Bob Ellison
DOES THE LORD LOVE ME?
The Lord is my Shepherd ~ that’s relationship!
I shall not want ~ that’s supply!
He makes me lie down in green pastures ~ that’s refreshment!
He restores my soul ~ that’s healing!
He leads me in the paths of righteousness ~ that’s guidance!
For His name sake ~ that’s purpose!
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death ~ that’s testing!
I will fear no evil ~ that’s protection!
For You are with me ~ that’s discipline!
You prepare a table before me in the presence of mine enemies ~ that’s hope!
You anoint my head with oil ~ that’s consecration!
My cup runs over ~ that’s abundance!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life ~ that’s blessing!
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord ~ that’s security!
Forever ~ that’s eternity! Face it, the Lord is crazy about you!!
Pentecost Sunday
May 19, 2013
Young Catholic Musicians
Spring Concert
Sunday, May 26
Please mark your calendar for the YCM
Spring Concert. It will be held at Epiphany of Our Lord
and will begin with a Mass of Thanksgiving at 2:30 pm
followed by the concert in the gymnasium. The Mass
will fulfill your Sunday obligation. This concert is
always an enjoyable time. If you would like to purchase
raffle tickets or need information about how to purchase
tickets for the concert, please call Mary Smith, 314-9629260. The money raised from the raffle ticket sales is
used to help pay the insurance and maintenance of the
YCM bus.
Wanted: Cook and/or
Housekeeper
IL RITIRO Franciscan Retreat is
looking for a person to assist in
preparing meals. That person would
also be responsible for cleaning the
kitchen and dining room and
purchasing food and supplies.
A second position that is available is for a person to
assist in housekeeping. This position could be combined
with the cook’s position, if desired.
Both positions are best suited for a student or retired
person who does not need full time employment or
benefits. If you are interested in being part of this
ministry please contact Fr. Paul, 636-274-0554 or
fr.paul.gallagher.ofm@gmail.com.
Engaged Encounter Weekends
If your child or godchild is engaged, consider giving
them the gift of a Catholic Engaged Encounter Weekend.
These weekends help couples reflect on the depth of their
commitment to each other, their relationship with God,
and God's place in their lives as husband and wife.
Engaged Encounter Weekends promote and strengthen
the Sacrament of Marriage. For more information, go
to http://home.centurytel.net/stlengaged/, or call Cheri
and Jim, 636-379-0962. Upcoming Weekends will be held
at the Marianist Retreat Center in Eureka in April, July,
and September.
Seven Days of Inspiration
Take one a day…
and feel great all week!
Day 1
You hold the key
to your own happiness.
Unlock it.
Day 2
You’re going places.
Day 3
Open yourself to
possibilities and they
become realities.
Day 4
Practice some
ordinary magic
today: smile!
Day 5
Spend time with
someone truly
likeable: yourself!
Day 6
Ask yourself what’s
important to you - and
listen to the answer.
Day 7
Let yourself be less than
perfect. What a relief!
Good Shepherd
Annual Parish Picnic
Pre Picnic Celebration
Saturday, June 1
6:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Sunday, June 2
Noon to 6:00 pm
Fried Chicken, Kettle Beef with sides
and homemade desserts!
Dinners:
Adults $10, Children 4 to 12 $6,
and ages 4 and under eat free
Pentecost Sunday
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Our next Eucharistic Adoration is
Wednesday, May 29,
from 1:00 am – 8:00 pm.
If you would like to commit to a particular Holy Hour,
please call Maria, 636-375-5463.
May 19, 2013
Our Gi s to God and Parish
Special Collections
Catholic Communications
$
21.00
New Building Fund
Lavender Envelopes
Total Received to date
$
485.26
$ 745,948.19
Offertory
S
omething to ponder!
A friend finished one of her letters with this
line: “Help me to remember that when I have
God things will always be in place.” I pray we help
each other to remember.
Sunday Envelopes
Sunday Loose
Above and Beyond
Ascension
Present and Future
Total Offertory
Offertory Goal
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
10,154.00
585.00
220.00
465.00
90.00
11,514.00
16,500.00
Thank you for your generosity.
213 online, loose and envelopes used this week
As of May 13, 2013
Contributions Year To Date
Projected Year to Date Budget
$ 584,669.44
$ 759,000.00
Scrip Gift Cards
BINGO
Every Friday Night
Knights of Columbus Hall
Doors Open at 4:30 pm
Bingo starts at 6:45 pm
Everyone welcome!
Parish Office email
parishoffice@olqpparish.org
OLQP Web Site
www.olqpparish.org
submit articles for bulletin
olqpbulletin@yahoo.com
Deadline Friday at 4:30 pm
(9 days before publication)
Sales
Profits/tuition reduction
$
$
3,030.00
130.04
Scrip Gift Cards are available in the Parish Office from
8 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday and every
weekend after Mass.
Stewardship
Start With Prayer
“The Counselor, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send
in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all
that I told you.”
John 14:26
The materialism of our society lures us to concentrate
more on what we want than on what God wants for us
and from us. It is good to know that when we are
confused by our stewardship responsibilities, we can call
on the Holy Spirit to show us the way.
Pentecost Sunday
May 19, 2013
Mass Intentions
Please pray for those who are ill
(parishioners are in bold)
Audrey Hastings
Paul McDonnell
Joyce Stenger
Shirley Bokern
Ray Wieschhaus
Vi Hoeft
Leonard Hirtz
Dot Hirtz
Greg Hirtz
Scott Beck
Glenda Clayton
Vicky Duckworth
Jackie Helbig
Ellen O’Brien
Ed Kelemen
Patsy Boyer
Jan DeClue
Jean Duda
Peggy Bauer, sister of Katie Tutass
Kevin Dwyer, brother of Barb Nenninger
Regina Maria Parker, sister of Michael Chiodini
Donna Lee Sprinkle, sister of Michael Chiodini
Barry Ritter, son-in-law of Joella Ketcherside
John O’Donnell, father of Dennis O’Donnell
Edward Carley, father of Mark Carley
Braeden Denton, friend of Inger Krieg
Janet Purneau, friend of Betty Oermann
Shayna Painter-Jones, granddaughter of Eunice Jones
Glenn Browning, father of Tamara Hamel
Blake Michael Chiodini, son of Michael Chiodini
Joe Politte, brother-in-law of Ken DeClue
Carolyn Jordan, niece of Vi Hoeft
Allen Chott, nephew of Judy Mottert
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thurs
Fri
Sat
Sun
May 20
May 21
May 22
May 23
May 24
May 25
May 26
8:00 am
8:00 am
8:00 am
8:00 am
8:00 am
5:00 pm
7:30 am
9:30 am
11:30 am
Ray Brune
Rich Leiber
Wayne Wencker
Marie Hindert
Georgia Jackson
Finney Family
People of the Parish
James Paul
Elvera Walker
May 25th and 26th
Special Ministers of the Eucharist
5:00 pm
7:30 am
9:30 am
11:30 am
* needed, *needed, Peg Mikko, Dixie Garrett,
3 needed
* needed, *Linda Weber, Jim England,
Barb and Joe Nenninger, 2 needed
* Maria Webb, *needed, 5 needed
*needed, *needed, Carol Freihaut, 4 needed
* You are responsible to clean the vessels after Mass
~those serving in the military, the homebound, shut-ins
of the parish and all in nursing homes. To add a name
please call the Parish Office, 671-3062. Names will be
removed after 3 weeks.
Proclaimers
5:00 pm
7:30 am
9:30 am
11:30 am
2 needed
Bev Gregory, Dave Mills
Maria Webb, Dale Andrews
Tom Ecker, Michelle Mose
5:00 pm
7:30 am
9:30 am
11:30 am
Gabby Anderson, Madison Gross, Zach Mikko
Cameron Beck, Allyson and Kaitlyn Bridges
Olivia Berry, Hayden Conley, Matthew Grimes
Jeremiah Pigue, Gracie and Joey Scanga
Servers
People will forget what you said .......
People will forget what you did ........
But people will never forget how you
made them feel.
Ushers
5:00 pm
7:30 am
9:30 am
11:30 am
Absent from the body present with our Lord.
In your kindness pray for the repose of the soul
Jennie Barnes, aunt of Angie Henning
May God welcome her home, fill her with peace,
and bless those who will miss her.
Katie Tutass, Darlene Allmeroth, R. Munzlinger,
Don Brooks, Ken Ganey, Ben Slodkowski
John Nahlik, Robert De Long, Ted Hempen,
Vince Rocchio, Tim Webb, Jerry Terry
Chuck Phillips, Mary and Bridget Turney,
Lee Hoffman, Terry Filicsky, Ray Graf
Andy Nappier, Mary Buckey, Cristina Duncan,
Jennifer Younkins, Gary Freihaut, Becca Mose
May 24
Marie Strayhorn,
Debby Maloney-Reeves,
Denice Bufka
and Bob De Long
Pentecost Sunday
Ninth Sunday after Easter
Trinity Sunday
Cycle C
May 19, 2013
THE READINGS:
FIRST READING: Proverbs 8:22-31
The first reading for the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity
comes from the Book of Proverbs. Proverbs contains
some of the earliest Wisdom writings in the Bible.
Israelite Wisdom proceeds from the premise that God
spoke His word, His wisdom into the world and this word,
this wisdom that He spoke was creative. What God has
spoken gives us access to Him. Through God’s word,
through His wisdom inherent in the world around us, we
come to see our God and can learn the lessons for living
balanced, well-ordered, good lives. That is the sense of
today’s reading from Proverbs. From the dawn of
creation, God’s word and wisdom spoke to and delighted
in humanity.
Over time, Israel came to identify God’s wisdom with his
Torah, His teaching, His word to us in the Scriptures.
What God says, what He reveals is distinct from Him, but
cannot be without Him. When Christian believers began
THEME:
"Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect."
In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus sums up what He had to say
in the Sermon on the Mount with the words, “Be perfect
as your heavenly Father is perfect.” On the feast of the
Most Holy Trinity we contemplate the mystery of the
perfection of our God and the model we have in God for
living towards perfection in our own lives. Perfect. The
word does not so much mean to be ideal but to be
complete, to be all that we can be at any particular
moment in our lives, just as God is complete, fully
complete in His eternal being. The idea of Trinity is the
most profound mystery of our faith; we believe in one
God in three divine persons. As limited humans, we can’t
fully understand this mystery. We describe the majesty
of our triune God by way of analogy and approach the
mystery of God’s three-fold presence to us with the
assent of faith.
to consider the nature of Jesus Christ, they came to
identify Him with God’s spoken word of revelation. (Note
that the prologue to John’s Gospel is considered by most
scholars to be an adaptation of an older, Jewish hymn to
God’s creative wisdom.) Jesus Christ is God’s creative
word spoken into the world.
SECOND READING: Romans 5:1-5
The second reading, from Paul’s Letter to the Romans,
deals with one of Paul’s key themes, justification through
faith. For Paul, this faith is Trinitarian. We are justified,
saved, through faith in God who, as a result of our faith
relates to us in peace. Access to our God is mediated
through Jesus Christ, His divine word spoken into the
world to give us this access to our God. And because we
have this access to our God, the love of God fills us, the
Spirit of God Himself. But, where does this Spirit come
from? Again, we can only speak by way of analogy.
Pentecost Sunday
May 19, 2013
An inventor or scientist creates something that enables
revealing word, ultimately gives us a way of approaching
people to be more productive, to live better. He places it
Him. And the spirit of His action is to be giving, loving,
in the hands of people who need it in order to live
caring. We can respond in kind. In the lives that we
better. What he creates reveals the genius, the care, the
lead, we can live so as to make a return to God, to make
nature of the person who made it. But there is also a
something of our lives, to make something of our labors
relationship between the person who invents and what he
that is loving and caring in return. And we can
makes. That relationship can be a spirit of industry, a
approach the possibility of making our return to God out
spirit of how he will support himself; it can be a spirit of
of love, out of freedom to simply give with no thought of
greed, a spirit of how he can use and manipulate others
what’s in it for us. We can accept God’s gift of His Son,
for his own advantage; it can be a spirit of love and
make our own gift in return, and let our spirit touch and
giving, a spirit of how who he is and what he does can
be touched by the Spirit of God.
help others. God speaks His Word into the world for the
benefit of humanity. The Word, ultimately, is Jesus
Christ, the Son of God. And the relationship between
God and the Word He speaks, the relationship between
FOR REFLECTION:
the Father and the Son, is a spirit of love, a spirit of
 What is my understanding of the Trinity? What
giving, a spirit of guidance and protection. And that Spirit
images help me understand the mystery of the
is the third person of the Trinity.
Trinity? What practical difference does my
understanding of the Trinity make to me?
GOSPEL READING: John 16:12-15
The Gospel reading, from John basically continues in the
same vein as the reading from Paul. Again, this reading
is taken from the Farewell Discourse, the words of Jesus
prior to His passion and before He returns to His
Father. Jesus’ words focus on the giving of the Spirit
who will guide us into truth, the truth of Jesus Christ,
 What is my relationship with God the Father? How
and when do I pray to God as Father?
 What is my relationship with God the Son? How
and when do I pray to God as Son?
God’s ultimate revelation of Himself, and through Jesus
Christ, the truth of God.
It has been my premise, in compiling these notes, that
 What is my relationship with God the Spirit? How
and when do I pray to God as the Holy Spirit?
everything in Scripture asks us two basic
questions: “Who are we?” and “What are we to
do?” Today, we affirm our belief in the Trinity and,
through the words of Scripture try to come to an
understanding of what this mystery means, what, in
practical terms, it means to us. I believe that it is
significant that those who compiled the Lectionary chose
Psalm 8 for our response to the readings today, a psalm
that proclaims that, somehow, we are like God. God
chose to act, to speak, to reveal Himself to us. His
 We are made in the image of God and God is
Trinity. What image(s) do I use to try to understand
the Trinity? How do these images come to play in
my life as a child of God created in His image?