He used the example of the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea explaining that the Sea of Galilee is abundant with life, full of fish and plants. Then he spoke of the Dead Sea, which because of it’s extremely high salinity, is unable to support life. These two bodies of water which are spoken of throughout the Bible are connected by the River Jordan. As the water of the Sea of Galilee flows steadily out through the Jordan it reaches the end of it’s journey at the Dead Sea. Since there is no real outlet of the water from the Dead Sea it remains there and becomes a part of it.
The priest related these objects of nature with us as members of the Church. We as fully-initiated Catholics have been baptized and confirmed and through the sacraments we have received the Holy Spirit. Although our relationship with God is personal, the mission we are given as Christians encourages us to act. As Christ sent his disciples to preach the Gospel and convert the non-believers, so we are commissioned to follow him as well. If we don’t act on our faith and serve according to his will, we are like the Dead Sea. We have no life in us. We are as the disciples in the last chapter of the Gospel of John who returned to their former lives after the death of Jesus. Instead we should be empowered by the Holy Spirit to do the will of God, to follow the example of Jesus, and to be an integral part of his Church. As we do these things we become more like the Sea of Galilee. We are filled with life. And we share that life with others just as the water of the Sea of Galilee flows out through the River Jordan, the Holy Spirit will flow out of us as we share it with others.
The metaphoric approach of the priest in his homily really touched me. I instantly analyzed myself and thought about whether I was more like the Sea of Galilee or the Dead Sea. I share this reflection with you because I hope that you do the same. Take a moment and analyze yourself. Are you doing the Lord’s will? Are you making a change? Does the way you live your life have an impact on your family, your coworkers, your parish, your city, your state, your country… the world? This Pentecost we celebrate that gift of the Holy Spirit, but let us truly be as the disciples, to go out and spread the message of the reign of heaven as the Church has done for the past two millennia. To give is to receive. Give others the gift of faith and invite them to receive the gift of gifts… the Holy Spirit.