B: Pentecost Sunday (20 May 2018) - CHARISMATIC UNITY - Jn 20:19-23

Normally, we call a person “charismatic” when he/she has a personality that is spirited and flamboyant: a crowd darling who displays an unparalleled confidence that demands respect and attention. Because of this, everybody loves a charismatic person… we even vote for him/her.

But is this the real meaning of being “charismatic”?

The word “charismatic” is derived from the Greek word “charisma” which literally means “that which is freely and graciously given (especially from God), [a] favor bestowed, gift”. From the definition we notice a very important attribute of a charismatic person, he/she recognizes that everything is freely given from God’s generosity. Hence, the true image a charismatic person reflects is not himself/herself, but God’s, who is primarily the author of grace (“charis” in Greek).

Our gospel now points to the commissioning of the apostles by the Resurrected Jesus. But before breathing on and sending them the Spirit, he greeted them, “Peace be with you!” (Jn 20:21). This is the ultimate “charis” God is giving all of us… peace! In fact, this is the very calling of Jesus when he is born to us: He will be the Prince of Peace (Isa 9:6) bringing “peace on earth and goodwill to mankind” (Lk 2:14). Appropriately, this is precisely the meaning of the Pentecost, i.e., that all enjoy peace especially seen when everybody is united and in harmony with each other.

Last June 3, 2017, at the eve of the Pentecost Sunday, Pope Francis graced the prayer vigil at the Circo Massimo (Rome) to celebrate the 50th foundation anniversary of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR). The day after, he officiated the Pentecost Sunday mass at St. Peter’s Square. In both occasions, he supports highly movements that propagate Christian renewal and unity springing forth from the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. See news clip: https://cruxnow.com/global-church/2017/06/05/pentecost-pope-affirms-charismatic-renewal-current-grace/

For Pope Francis, being charismatic is someone who promotes renewal but at the same time unity. This is the very meaning of the Pentecost event when peoples of different ethnic groups and languages were baptized and gathered together under Jesus’ name (Acts 2:41).

Nowadays, we are easily drawn to follow charismatic leaders because they promise us paradise. However, we should be cautious before endorsing and rallying for them. If they indeed are truly charismatic, they should promote the above-mentioned three things: peace, unity and God. Otherwise, if they entice violence, division, and human glory, they are indeed not charismatic… but are schismatic to our priced values in God’s kingdom.

- Rex Fortes, CM