Acts 8:5-8, 14-17 | Ps 66 | 1 Pt 3:15-18 | Jn 14:15-21

If the word, “mission,” is spoken, especially as it pertains to our faith, it tends to evoke exotic places and visiting clergy and religious returning with hair-raising stories. Many people of faith still interpret “mission” as something someone else does somewhere else, and what’s simply expected of us is to give money to the “missions,” for them to carry out their work for the good of the world.

While this isn’t untrue and remains necessary, mission also means “purpose.” Researchers share that a personal sense of purpose leads to greater well-being. A famous saying is, “The two most important days in your life are the day that you were born and the day that you find our why.” Where does Christian purpose come from? Why are we here?

Jesus promises that the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, will be with us always. As we are washed with that indwelling tender Spirit, we in turn fall in love. Daily life is no longer the same. We may be fishermen or computer programmers, students or professionals, ordained, consecrated religious, or lay ministers, parents or grandparents—when we encounter the friendship of the living God, we are changed. We are filled with radiant joy. Mission isn’t just something someone else does somewhere else. Mission is what we do, right here, right now. It doesn’t matter so much what we do in daily life, but how we do it. The Holy Spirit’s joy gives us purpose.

As Pentecost approaches, we can prepare to be empowered and sent out into our ordinary twenty-first century lives to be extraordinary people. This is our calling, our obligation. It should also be our delight. We are to be enthusiastic people of purpose, with determination, resolution, drive, tenacity, and commitment to living Jesus’ joy-filled way of life.

We are commissioned at the end of every Mass to be sent out, sent on mission. If that doesn’t stick with you after having been nourished by word and sacrament—then, we do this in vain.

We had a district meeting last week with neighboring parishes, clergy, and staff. And the topic of mission and commissioning came up. The pastor of one parish jokingly shared, how a police officer who regularly directs traffic at the end of their Masses, said to him: “Father, I know something right happens in your church week after week. People give each other the finger a lot less here than at other churches.”

I can’t tell you how many times my mom would tell my sisters and I, once we got home from church on a Sunday, “Where did you just come from!?” (Actually, she said it to my dad the most.)

We are given a mission to be light for the world. We are filled with the Spirit to accomplish that mission. To live for Jesus—is that our joy, or is it an obligation—or is it both? What is it you see as your purpose in everyday life?

Come, Holy Spirit! We need a new Pentecost, a revival of faith. Our world is in desperate need of renewal. We cannot do this by ourselves. We need you. Come with your rushing wind. Come with your mighty power. Come, hidden joy of the world. We pray together in deep need: come, Holy Spirit and renew the hearts of your faithful.