April 30, 2025
Alleluia Christ is Risen!
Last Sunday I mentioned that the gospel reading was a mini Pentecost. Jesus visits the disciples, breathes on them and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit." But unlike Pentecost, there was no gift of tongues; no ability to hear and understand what people were saying in their own native language.
After our service, I attended the ordination of Juan Manuel Arias Perea at St. Paul in Jersey City. The service was a full Pentecost experience. The service was 100% bilingual. During the hymns, you could hear the voices singing loudly in both Spanish and English. The Rev. Dr. Andres Albertsen preached in both languages.
When it came to the Nicene Creed, there was a palpable energy in the sanctuary. The congregants spoke in multiple languages, yet it was as if we were speaking in one spirit. I've never experienced something like this before. It was a Spirit-filled service and it sent chills up and down my spine. The service took my breath away.
What a joy to be present and to witness the ordination of Juan. He is a gift to the church. May God's Spirit guide his ministry and may his congregation at Good Shepherd be partners in the Gospel to spread the word of Jesus to the community in Weehawken. .
Amen - Come Holy Spirit. Breathe into all of us new, resurrected life.
Pastor JJ
