One thing that is NOT on my bucket list is attending the Summer Olympic Games, mostly because I do not normally enjoy the idea of a long trip; and also, I'm sure the expense of going to the Olympics would turn me off as well. Fortunately for me, I have been blessed to attend the Arkansas "Special Olympic Games" in Searcy, Arkansas the last number of years and am looking forward to going again this year on Friday, May 25.
It is enjoyable, certainly, to watch "Special" athletes perform in various sporting activities and experience the joy of competing and some - winning a medal. It is, however, even more impressive and heartwarming to experience the "spirit" of all who attend, from the volunteers (including a strong contingency of Knight of Columbus from our Council 10208), to the parents and caregivers of the participants in the games, to the participants themselves who seem to always enjoy themselves whether they win a medal or not. I bring all this up as we celebrate Pentecost in the Church this weekend.
While the Spirit of God comes alive and is alive in so many people individually and shows its power and fruits in the Church and in the minds and hearts of the baptized and confirmed, I believe the Spirit manifests Himself in the clearest way when people are gathered for a wonderful purpose, like the Special Olympics, or when we gather to give worship to God, or the many opportunities that present themselves for us to be "together" in the Lord. If you are not currently much of a "team player" for the Lord, let the Holy Spirit lead you to one or some of the opportunities that are available in our wonderful parish (i.e. Knights of Columbus, Men's Club, Ladies of the Sacred Heart, Helping Hands, ligurgical ministers etc.) or, out in the larger community. The blessings can indeed be many for those who do so!
It is enjoyable, certainly, to watch "Special" athletes perform in various sporting activities and experience the joy of competing and some - winning a medal. It is, however, even more impressive and heartwarming to experience the "spirit" of all who attend, from the volunteers (including a strong contingency of Knight of Columbus from our Council 10208), to the parents and caregivers of the participants in the games, to the participants themselves who seem to always enjoy themselves whether they win a medal or not. I bring all this up as we celebrate Pentecost in the Church this weekend.
While the Spirit of God comes alive and is alive in so many people individually and shows its power and fruits in the Church and in the minds and hearts of the baptized and confirmed, I believe the Spirit manifests Himself in the clearest way when people are gathered for a wonderful purpose, like the Special Olympics, or when we gather to give worship to God, or the many opportunities that present themselves for us to be "together" in the Lord. If you are not currently much of a "team player" for the Lord, let the Holy Spirit lead you to one or some of the opportunities that are available in our wonderful parish (i.e. Knights of Columbus, Men's Club, Ladies of the Sacred Heart, Helping Hands, ligurgical ministers etc.) or, out in the larger community. The blessings can indeed be many for those who do so!