Pentecost has been called “the birthday of the Church” or the beginning of “the Age of the Church.” This majestic feast signals the completion of Christ’s redemptive mission. Jesus had been sent by his eternal Father to redeem the human community by his passion and death.
Do we have a role in helping to advance our Lord’s mission? St. Paul leaves little doubt. He writes: “God in Christ has reconciled the world to himself, and the Good News of reconciliation He has entrusted to us.” (2 Cor. 5, 17-18)
Could there be a more significant and satisfying life assignment for us? I doubt it very much! We are a pentecostal people with a noble mission. Ignatius of Loyola helped refine the meaning of this call in founding the Society of Jesus.
—Fr. Jonathan Haschka, S.J. writes from the St. Camillus Jesuit Community in Wauwatosa WI, where he serves as Assistant to the Superior.