Pentecost reminds Christians, as followers of Christ, to listen, to pray and to be moved by the Holy Spirit to build God’s kingdom in our world.

The Catholic Church used this Pentecost to launch the Plenary Council to be held in 2020, where, we the people of our church community, are called to to discuss how the church can continue its mission in a society and church that is evolving and changing, where those disaffected by the church in any way over the years, can lay all things on the table, and where we can keep those areas we treasure and change those that need changing.

All of this can only be undertaken by the guidance of, and our openness to, the Holy Spirit. Australia is set to mark a number of important events that call us to be aware of all members of our community, and how they can lead us to shape the life and conscience of Australia. This coming week is National Reconciliation Week, June 10 is Care for the Homeless Day, followed by Refugee Week. 

I have been with St Brigid’s College year 11s this week in Adelaide for their social justice retreat. We have met and reflected with those who are homeless, refugees and asylum seekers and those affected by domestic violence.

Our leaders asked ‘why bother to get involved’ with these issues, and all students strongly replied, ‘because of who Jesus is to us’. Compassion, justice, care, love, peace, reconciliation, peace and hope are the fruits of the Holy Spirit renewed in us this Pentecost, and our church and environment, and people who are hurting, call us to bring these gifts into our everyday life to make the world what God wants us to make it - to speak boldly, to speak with compassion, but also to listen with an open and humble heart. We are called to do what Jesus invited Peter to once do - to step out into the deep water - and trust that the Spirit will guide us in these times to be a church of respect, mercy, goodness, and joy.