From today’s Scripture: “Receive the Holy Spirit.”—Jn 20:22

Today, the separation of people by language at the Tower of Babel is replaced by the outpouring of tongues at Pentecost. Yet, too many forces are trying to separate Christians and others by language, culture and class. The Holy Spirit is always about unity, NOT division.

One of the things I do when there are many folks with different first languages is invite everyone to pray the Our Father at the same time, but in their own language. It is a beautiful and powerful experience. For some, it is hard to concentrate, and others find it confusing. Yet, over time, the more it is done this way, the community develops a harmonic rhythm. So too, when we live as one people with a variety of cultures, it can at first be hard to concentrate and be confusing, but with great patience, deep listening, and an open heart, a harmonic rhythm is created.

Let us pray: Come, Holy Spirit, come. 

Today’s author is Father Steve Pawelk, second vice president and director of Glenmary’s novitiate program.

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