Astonishing is the term that Clement of Alexandria used in referring to the Holy Trinity. Today’s scriptures tell the astonishing stories, from Moses in the Old Testament to the end of Matthew’s Gospel, of how we mere humans are intended to be intimately associated with our loving God. We see in Deuteronomy that Moses reminds the new generation of Israelites of the “astonishing” fact that, even though the ancient world teemed with gods, their God was the only God, that “there is no other.” Saint Paul in the letter to the Romans write about those who follow the Spirit as being “sons” of God, which of course would make us brothers and sisters of Christ, and, as he says, “joint heirs with Christ.” Another astonishing statement! Finally, Christ bestows the Holy Spirit on the world as his continuing presence and force of divine revelation. How can we not be astonished?

Come Holy Spirit! Today we celebrate Pentecost, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the first disciples and an all who are baptized. We also commemorate the birth of the church. Before Pentecost, the disciples remain hidden and uncertain; at Pentecost, those who were gathered were filled with the spirit and proclaim the wonders of the good news of Christ to all. The spirit guides us to the truth of Christ's love and mercy and strengthens us to live us disciples. Without the Holy Spirit, we would perish; with the Spirit, we have life to the full. Relying on the Spirit, we are given the grace to turn away from the many temptations that we face each day and prefer instead what is it good and holy. Come Holy Spirit Come!

There is a certain, sacred order to the way God envisions our place in the world. We are created inn love, for love. As disciples of Jesus Christ, God’s love is at the heart of all we are, have, and do. Peter was concerned that this holy order be restored following Judas’ betrayal of Jesus. Jesus’ selection of twelve apostles was significant for the Jewish people, a harkening to the twelve tribes of Israel.  In prayerfully discerning Matthias as the twelfth apostle, the bothers made certain that God’s holly order would prevail. Their witness ensured that Christ’s love would be shared and embraced to all the world and throughout time.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus likens our relationship with him to a plant with many Love. Songs and books, plays and artistic masterpieces have been created to convey the truth that love is real. As Christians, we know that love is of God. In laying down his life, Jesus pours out God’s selfless, sacrificial, undying love. Jesus opens the door to a new relationship between God and humanity, that of friendship, of intimate closeness. Jesus calls us to show this same love for others, knowing that in doing so, we fulfill God’s will. As the account of Peter, Cornelius, and all in his household attests, this great love of God cannot be contained by our preconceived notions of the way things are in the world.

In today’s gospel, Jesus likens our relationship with him to a plant with many branches. We, the branches, are called to remain so close to Jesus that we bear fruit, loving one another as Christ loves us. Saul for the fruit of his faith through powerful witness that drew others to Christ. And the branches that grew into the early church were extraordinarily fruitful. What is the fruit of your faith in Jesus Christ?