Bob Jensen

Pentecost, the Greek word for fifty, originally began as a celebration in thanksgiving for the “first fruits,” when winter grains and spring vegetables were harvested, enjoyed, and offered to God. For Christians, Jesus in the “first fruits” of those who have died. His Resurrection heralds our own at the end of time. For now, we live as Christians in the world, empowered by his Spirit of peace and forgiveness. While Pentecost concludes Easter Time, the gift of the Holy Spirit compels us to resound with Easter joys for days to come. We pray for the Holy Spirit to do all that we can’t, and we pray for the Spirit to do all that it can in us, especially in this difficult time.

 

As I celebrate my forty-fifth anniversary as a priest today, (Sunday, May 24th), I can’t help but feel tremendous gratitude to our precious God for journeying with me along the way. Thankfully I’m no longer that self-righteous young pup who would set the world straight with my superior insights. It didn’t take long for the good parishioners of St. James Cathedral to set me straight and disabuse me of that arrogant notion. With the help of God I have grown a great deal since those early years-maybe not vertically but certainly spiritually. I find that I am less judgmental and more compassionate, less dualistic (either-or) and more nondualistic (both-and), and more of a servant leader (leading from the middle). On this Ascension Sunday Jesus hands the baton to his apostles and also to us. May all of us continue his work of evangelizing the world using our unique gifts in God’s service. Thank you for the joy you give me as I serve you as your pastor.

 

I find the words of our gospel reading from John today (Sixth Sunday of Easter) quite consoling for this unsettling time. Jesus basically tells his disciples that he will not abandon them but will send them another Advocate to be with them always. This one who is promised is the Holy Spirit who will guide them on their journey of life. I have found it difficult to live with out human touch. I have grown to appreciate a hug, a pat on the shoulder. I have to remind myself that the time will come for embraces again. In the meantime I take comfort in the knowledge that Jesus embraces me through his Spirit. May we show our love for one another through prayer and good wishes. Thank you for your emails and phone calls. May the Lord bless you in every way.

 

This is that time of the year when we make our presentation for the Annual Catholic Appeal which supports some sixty ministries of the Archdiocese of Seattle. During this time of Covid-19 it takes on a different shape We will have a recorded presentation by Scott

Bader who is the director of Parish Financial Services. This will be shown during this weekend’s recorded mass (Fifth Sunday of Easter) and on our parish website. Scott will share about ministries that have helped us here at St. John’s. You may send your pledge directly to the Archdiocese (please include your parish’s name) or send it to the parish office. Perhaps you can pledge a dollar a day for a y ear $366 (this is a leap year). You will be benefitting many people in need at this time thank you for your generosity.

 

I am currently reading The Shepherd’s Life by James Rebanks. He speaks of the joy of herding and caring for sheep, a job that has been in his family for several hundred years. His farm is located in the northwest part of England, known as the Lake District. The great attachment that the shepherd has for his sheep epitomizes the description that we have in John’s gospel as we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday this weekend. Jesus is one with his sheep. He knows each by name. He is familiar with each one’s foibles. The sheep in turn respond only to their shepherd’s voice and none other. What a beautiful reminder of how Christ loves each of us in a unique way! May we be attuned to his voice especially in this unsettling time. May he calm our fears and lead us to peace of mind and heart.

Just a reminder that I am hearing confessions in the church on Saturdays from 4 to 5 pm

 

With the library closed I have been forced to read from my own bookshelves. As I write this I am halfway through Paradise Lost by John Milton-not the easiest four hundred page poem to read. Other books on my spring reading list are Dracula and Frankenstein for my comfort (ha, ha), Eager to Love By Fr. Richard Rohr, The Shepherd’s Life by James Rebanks, the eighth book of The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan, The Awakening by Kate Chopin, Pattern Recognition by William Gibson, and the 2014 Best American Travel Writing edited by Paul Theroux. I hope to fit working on a jigsaw puzzle in there as well, something I haven’t done in years. Keep the faith, my friends.