By Sister Marcianne Bzdon, SSND
Birthdays! I love birthdays, celebrating my own and those of others!
Birthdays are special — a celebration of new life, marking a new year of experiences and adventures. All the trappings of birthdays bring joy; a cake with little candles aflame, ready to blow out with a big puff of air; cards, gifts, singing, and sharing a meal with friends with whom one celebrates.
Birthdays are a reminder of the new life God shares with each person as one joins a family that is welcoming.
As in each life one celebrates a birthday, so also does the Church, and like one’s birthday, it is a time of celebration.
The flames and the wind were not on a cake where they would be blown out, but within the heart of a group gathered together waiting for the celebration. And when it came, the flames enlivened the hearts of those who received them and the gifts given were gratefully used to share the Good News of the Lord’s Resurrection with all so that the celebration could bring joy to all.
New life and new experiences began to fill the world over 2000 years ago and the Church continues the celebration each Pentecost, welcoming new members, sharing the gifts of the Holy Spirit, singing of God’s Goodness in the sharing of the Eucharistic Meal and uniting the family of God in grateful celebration.
Happy Birthday, Mother Church! Inflame us once again, and ignite a fire within us to use the gifts of the Spirit to renew the face of the earth!
