MARSHALL/WATERLOO — “More than once we have asked ourselves the greatest needs of the Church are . . . what is the primary and ultimate need of our beloved and holy Church? We must say it with holy fear because as you know, this concerns the mystery of the Church, her life; this need is the Spirit . . . “
These words of Pope Paul VI remind us of what the Church needs today, a renewal in the Holy Spirit. We read in Acts how the Apostles and disciples, after Pentecost, went around exorcising demons, healing the sick, and converting thousands to the faith.
We heard Jesus in the Gospel of Mark this past Sunday describing what the accompanying signs will be for those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages.
Why are we not seeing these miracles happening in our own time now? We need a new infusion of the Spirit in our time. The last three Popes have made mention of the need for the Holy Spirit to come into the Church and act, move the people to be on fire for Christ as to change the world.
Join us for a Pentecost Vigil on Saturday, May 19, at 6:30 p.m. at Holy Family in Waterloo. There will be a Vigil in Spanish on Friday, May 18, at 6 p.m. at Holy Family in Marshall.
Fr. Jorge Miramontes is pastor of Holy Family Parish in Marshall and Waterloo.