RBWords

     When "reunions" take place - family, class, military, etc. - story-telling is one of the most important features of the event.  Although we may call it "reminiscing," the "telling" is a way of preaching the significance of the event and keeping alive the values or lessons to be learned!  Another feature, perhaps more colorful, is that not everyone remembers the same event the same way!  I can recall many times arguing with my sister about when something happened or where or other details.  Eventually she would imperiously proclaim:  "You tell it your way and I'll tell it my way!"  When we read the first scripture [from Acts, by Luke] for this great feast of Pentecost and then read the first gospel option from John, it becomes clear that the same event is being "remembered" very differently.  Luke tells it his way and John tells it his own way.  Each of them has his own "agenda" or lessons to teach.  St. Paul's contributions from Corinthians and Galatians add richness as well.

     I will venture a contrast that appeals to me, without claiming to be a scripture scholar but only a preacher!  The beloved picture of the apostles gathered in the Upper Room with Mary and everyone with flames above their heads is the way most Catholics would imagine the Pentecostal event.  For Luke, however, what is important is what happens AFTER that.  They go out and begin to proclaim the good news to all the known world.  The missionary aspect is primary.  In the Gospel of John, the emphasis is on the individual relationship to Jesus.  The "sins" to be forgiven are the sins of rejecting Jesus as the one whom God sent.  Jesus is sending the disciples just as the Father sent him!  Luke's vision is more expansive and universal.  John's is more personal and individual.  Yet, as St. Paul tells us, it is the same Spirit.  The Holy Spirit is the promised continual presence of Christ in the church and in the hearts of all who believe.  St. Paul invites us in Corinthians to embrace the diversity of gifts in the community, and in Galatians, to shape our conduct in accord with those gifts.

     The diversity of the "tellings" and the lessons to be learned are, in themselves, a preaching that our church is a gathering of many voices proclaiming the gospel under the inspiration of the same Holy Spirit.  A reunion is not much fun if there are no stories or only one person telling the story.  We are invited today to add our own to the birthday party of the church.  AMEN