Mass of the Holy Spirit Reflection
By Chloe Dusang ’17
Good Afternoon, Dominican. This year, as you all know, represents a fresh start. We have a new schedule, a new school building, and we see the beautiful faces of our brand new students. For a quick second, I ask you all to take a look around. Take in all the people you are surrounded by on your left and right. Most of them are probably your friends. And for those of you who are just beginning, you see many new faces.
In today’s reading, from the letter of St. Paul, it says, “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit… To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.” We’re all different in our own way. Not a single person is just like you. No one looks exactly like you or talks exactly like you. Don’t you think it’s truly amazing how each of us is given a variety of gifts that we can use to our advantage?
I invite you to hold up one of your hands in front of you. On each finger; without speaking, name one of your strengths or gifts. This is hard, I admit. Now, look at the spaces in between your fingers. These spaces represent your weaknesses. Without speaking, name a weakness for each space in between. We all have strengths and weaknesses to bring to our community. I invite you to grab the hand of the person next to you. Fill their weaknesses with your strengths. Allow your weaknesses to be filled by their strengths.
To repeat the line from today’s reading: “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit… To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.” How wonderful that we are all part of one big community which makes up the body of Christ. Our gifts and talents, provided by the Spirit allows us to support and depend on one another in times of weakness. Just by being ourselves, in communion with one another, we create a masterpiece.
Two years ago, after experiencing the loss of my father to cancer, I remember being so in awe of my mom. She truly showed me the meaning of sacrificial love. She cared for my father faithfully throughout so many months. For me and my sister, my mom represented the fact that in times of weakness, we must rely on one another. She became a representative of Christ to me. In the midst of our vulnerabilities, Jesus gives us the encouraging message from our Gospel reading. Jesus says, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he said this he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
Every day we have a choice. Do we use our gifts to fill each others’ weaknesses? Especially in times of flooding, sickness and broken heartedness. Do we allow others to do the same for us? We’re all so unique, yet we make up one body in Christ, through the help of the Holy Spirit. What a huge honor to have this gift of communion which God has so graciously granted us!
Thank you.
While senior Chloe Dusang shares her reflection, fellow students join hands in a show of strength and unity.