The readings at Mass approaching the Feast of Pentecost speak of closure. Jesus speaks his last words to his disciples before his death. Paul bids farewell to the elders at Ephesus and in Jerusalem is taken into custody for judgment in Rome.

It’s not the end, however, but a beginning. 

We’re entering Ordinary time, when we celebrate feasts of the saints more extensively, as our June calendar indicates.  St. Justin, the philosopher (June 1), engages the learned in Rome; St. Charles Lwanga and his companions (June 3) cause a new birth of Christianity in Africa; St. Boniface (June 5) brings the gospel to the fractured Germanic tribes of Europe. No, it’s not over, the gospel will be preached in every age.

We’re going to need good leadership. That’s why we read Paul’s Letter to Timothy immediately after Pentecost. Paul’s advice is especially interesting. “Stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather of power and love and self-control. So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his sake; but bear your share of hardship for the Gospel with the strength that comes from God.” Timothy is losing a powerful mentor, but the Spirit never leaves the church without pastors.

We’re not left orphans. The Holy Spirit broods over the world, constantly making all things new. Every age will have its saints. The calendar of saints is the calendar written by the Holy Spirit. The saints are signs of the Holy Spirit. No age, however critical, is without them. 

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful people. Send us saints for the healing and new vision that will benefit our church and our world. We need them.