This Sunday we observe the day of Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit. This gift to the faithful far exceeds our comprehension. You see, Jesus the second person of the Trinity became human so we could become divine. If that sounds preposterous or blasphemous, hang on. When Jesus became a man, he did not give up any of his Divinity and when he ascended to heaven, he did not give up any of his humanity. The gift of the Holy Spirit is the “first fruit” of, what the saints call, your “divinization”, becoming like God. This means much more that a one-dimensional image, like a mirror. There is a real “oneness” that takes place. Pope Benedict references marriage to help understand. In the marriage covenant the man and women become “one flesh.” Neither of them lose any of the distinct differences and yet they are joined in a shared “oneness” of life. In the marriage covenant they give to each other the totality of their being in union with their relationship to God. In early years this is often visited with conflict, but as they mature in their relationship it is not unusual for the husband and wife to know each other to the extent of sharing thoughts without speaking. Unfortunately, this very real unity is most painfully noticed when separation occurs, such as death. Our “marriage” to God is directly and explicitly observed every time we receive Holy Communion. Right before the reception of Communion in Mass we hear, “Blessed are those called to the Supper of the Lamb.” This is a quote from Rev. 19:9. There is one word missing. Scripture adds, “Blessed are those called to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” Every Communion is a renewal of your marriage to God. The Holy Spirit is your first gift toward your divinization, becoming like the Lord! Yours in Christ, Fr. Sid.