Sunday, May 24, 2026 – Pentecost Sunday
On this Memorial Day weekend, we remember so many men and women in our nation’s history who served our country and who lost their lives performing their duty. They all understood the risks involved as they entered into so many dangerous situations, but bound by courage and love of their country, they proceeded on the missions they were ordered to undertake. In a religious context, it makes me recall a well-known verse from John’s Gospel:
No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 15:13
Let us all spend some time during this long holiday weekend to remember our relatives and friends who served with honor and dignity, and in the end, making the ultimate sacrifice. Let us be thankful and never forget their service. In turn, may we be faithful, being the best citizens we can, to honor and maintain what they offered their service and lives for.
On a lesser matter, the Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial beginning of summer and many of us have been planning our summer activities—many of them consisting of spending time outdoors.
As I told the story last week about the powerful experience of flying over the snowcapped Rocky Mountains at sunset, I know during the coming summer months you can experience those kind of “wow moments” as you move about God’s creation. From sunrise to sunset during these days, the splendor of God’s gift of the natural world is in full view. Please take a good look and see. We often, due to our busy lives of going from “point A to point B,” fail to see the wonders around us. As you experience them, appreciate and be thankful for the natural beauty surrounding us.
And in closing, how can I forget today’s great Solemnity of Pentecost—the Spirit’s descending on the Apostles and the birthday of the Church. In an attempt to tie this reflection together, may our remembrance of men and women who exhibited great courage and others who have collaborated in enhancing the beauty of creation, lead us to consider the profound action of God and how the Spirit has been at work in the past and in our current time and place.