“Renew the Face of the Earth” is our prayer to the Spirit of God. The petition is repeated several times in our responsorial Psalm 104 for Pentecost celebrated this coming Sunday. Renewal of the Earth has never been more necessary than at this moment. The waters, land, and air of our planet have been damaged. Social structures around the world have shifted from the familiar to some degree of chaos. Spirits and souls of people have been challenged by uncertainties of previously accepted beliefs and relationships. And so we pray: “Send us your Spirit, O Lord.”
Pentecost has always had a gold star on my calendar. When I received the habit of a novice on June 17, 1961 I received the name Sister Christian and was allowed to choose Pentecost as “my feast day”. It commemorates the anointing of the Holy Spirit, confirming followers of Jesus as “Christians”. (Acts 2:1-11, 11:26) Even though I now go by my Baptismal name, Dorothy, I still try to live up to the name and call to be Christian. This Pentecost I renew my acceptance of the vocation to do my part to take care of the earth by recycling and simplicity of life. I will seek to uphold justice and peace through the integrity of social structures. And I will do my best to live the Benedictine values and be compassionate to all. Send us your Spirit, O Lord!