The central theme of today's three readings is the Holy Spirit. The different texts show us that behind the many different gifts, there is only One God, who is the source and giver of all good things including life itself. In these texts we are reminded that our gifts are never given for our own selfish pleasure or vainglory but rather they are to be used for the good of all. Yes, we are to pray and to use our talents and gifts according to the will and purposes of God and for His glory alone. Only then can we say that we have been good stewards of His many gifts.

1 Corinthians chapter 12, verses 12 to 13 tells us how we have all been baptized into the one body by the same spirit. Pentecost is the wonderful manifestation of this great truth. Here in this phenomenal event we see how Christ with His own body has broken down the walls that separate humankind to create one new people in union with Himself, in this way making peace (Eph. 2:14-15). He is doing this even more powerfully after September 11, 2001. Bringing peace at Assisi for all and giving us a new law for peace - the Assisi Decalogue.

Yes, the Holy Spirit, the spirit of God is always a gentle and peaceful spirit who has come to dispel fear and extends friendship to all so that as God's own children we can experience peace and joy, never otherwise.