From Pope Benedict's 2006 Pentecost Homily:
"To stay together was the condition laid down by Jesus in order to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit; the premise of their harmony was prolonged prayer. In this way we are offered a formidable lesson for every Christian community.
Some think at times that missionary effectiveness depends primarily on careful programming and its subsequent intelligent application through a concrete commitment.
The Lord certainly does ask for our collaboration, but before any other response his initiative is necessary: his Spirit is the true protagonist of the Church. The roots of our being and of our action are in the wise and provident silence of God."
At a time when fragmentation and divorce seem more prevalent than unity, this was a welcome reminder of where we find our peace. Prayer, togetherness, and waiting upon God's saving action--this is our first calling. And the promise of Pentecost is that... He came to them. He comes to us.
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