Our readings for this Pentecost are here. (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051924.cfm). So for most of Eastertide (through Pentecost), the first reading will have been from the Acts of the Apostles, and the gospel reading mostly from St John’s account.
These are my notes from Fr Dennis’ homily from the Mass of May 20, 2018 10AM.
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In 2018, Fr Dennis kept it real, simple, and direct.
At the time, it did not feel particularly Easter-y as the news was filled with Aaron Schlossberg (who ranted loud and racist comments to Spanish-speaking workers in a restaurant), Anthony Weiner (former member of the U.S. Congress, sexted to a minor and later convicted), and more. D2 noted that having such behavior seemingly fill the news can be disheartening.
He also had us read Option B of the Second Reading, Gal 5:16-25. It talks about the works of the flesh that are sinful, but also the fruits of the Spirit — love, joy, peace, and more.
Fr Dennis offered that forgiveness is not a call to passivity. Peacefulness is the fight for justice; it is our foundation. Forgiveness and peacefulness are dynamic, not static or passive.
And that is a nice thought in the year 2024 when so much seems amuck (again or still).
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For our image this week, I stumbled across a Danish fresco in the Cathedral of Aarhus in Aarhus, Denmark. It is a fresco of Pentecost with the tongues of fire descending on the twelve apostles … and one title indicates Mary of Magdala but, gospel-wise, Mary the Mother of God and the Church. She is the one with light hair and no beard. 🙂
Seems to fit with the Roman Catholic Church’s observance on the Monday after Pentecost of Mary, Mother of the Church.
The image was part of a “free download,” but it did not seem the same as other free downloads. The attribution is asked to be ID 85709227 © Stig AlenA?s | Dreamstime.com
The Surest Sign 
Love the quote from Dennis. It is particularly important in these days of conflict throughout the world and election time here. Tying to listen and understand the other side does build bridges but evil needs to identified for its effect on others.
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