"All were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim..." The Holy Spirit empowers us to proclaim to the world that Jesus Christ is Lord.

"Let anyone who thirsts come to me and drink." Jesus has not left us alone. He has sent his Holy Spirit to us to satisfy every thirst we have.

"They belonged to you, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word." As Jesus prepared to take his place with the Father, we were not left alone because of his promise to send us the Holy Spirit.

"Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." On his Ascension, Jesus gave his disciples the Great Commission to bring his Good News to all.

"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves." After a very difficult year, we celebrate all that God has done in the life of our young people.

"Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope but do it with gentleness and reverence." If we allow the Spirit to dwell within us, that will be enough to change the world.

"Jesus said to his disciples: 'Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.'" When things feel out of our control, God extends his hand to us and asks us to commit our destiny to him.

"A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly." On this "Good Shepherd Sunday" the Church shows that Jesus has come to give everlasting life for the sheep whom he loves.

"Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?" Easter joy! We recognize Jesus in each other, in the Word, and in the breaking of the bread.

"In him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit." God has chosen us to be his children. Being sealed with the Holy Spirit gives a share of eternal life that is to come.