Pentecost (4) kicks off our return to the summer months, followed by Trinity Sunday (11) and the Body and Blood of Christ (18)—the latter coinciding with Father’s Day. These three comprise the “God feasts,” honoring the Spirit in the Church, the presence of Christ in our assembly, and Divine revelation in between.

Confused because they understood? In the gospel the large crowd understands each other despite their different origins.

Veni Sancte Spiritus! Come, Holy Spirit! The title of today’s sequence, to be sung after the Second Reading and before the Gospel Acclamation, is an exuberant reminder of this robust and active feast we celebrate.

Later on that day, the disciples had gathered together, but, fearful of the Jews, had locked all the doors in the house. Jesus entered, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.” Then he showed them his hands and side.

Kindergarten was a half-day class, so I was already home when my third-grade brother came into the yard after school holding a big red helium balloon on a string that he had won. He saw the look on my face and carefully handed it to me so he could go inside and change out of his uniform and I could enjoy it for a while. He was a good guy.

Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins, and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.

What you are is God’s gift to you, what you become is your gift to God.