Introductory Remarks
I have some good news and some bad news. First, the good news: Father McNulty does not want me to talk about the sins that I have committed this week; he wants all of you to leave Mass in the day light. The bad news is that I'm up here giving a talk; I know that others at today's Mass could do a far better job than I could.

My Comforter - The Holy Spirit
I am a son, a husband, a father, an educator, and a life-long parishioner of Sacred Heart Church. Like you, problems and the related stress from them are present with me in my daily life - whether in our families, with our friends, or in our jobs.

Many years ago I heard a homily on the Holy Spirit and the priest at that time encouraged us to use it. How? "Simply just say to yourself "Come Holy Spirit" and let it enter your heart!" Shortly, thereafter, I began saying, "Come Holy Spirit", and it is now a significant part of me. When I first said it, I did not get hit like a lightening bolt or feel any dramatic changes. Sometimes, I just quietly felt it, sometimes receiving an answer immediately and other times later. But over time, I have seen and felt the end results of saying "Come Holy Spirit". It has helped me feel the presence of God and receive that Spirit from others. It also has helped me find the good in anyone and has given me peace and understanding. However, this was not done overnight.

At work I tend to deal with many problems and concerns with students, teachers, and parents. Sometimes I'm overwhelmed, ready to quit, ready to retire, and to tell off everyone in sight. I feel like getting into my car and driving endlessly on 95 South never to return. During these overwhelming moments, I catch myself saying, "Come Holy Spirit!". I feel a calmness and at least I'm able to deal with it all whether there is a solution at hand or not.

My three children are all in their twenties now, but as they were growing up, boy, did I say, "Come Holy Spirit!", a lot! Here is one example of how the Holy Spirit worked well but the answer came later. After Mass as my family was walking to the car, my son, Stephen, a freshman in high school, told me that he didn't need to go to Mass anymore since he already the knew all the gospel stories and that Mass was boring. As I said, "Come Holy Spirit", to myself at this particular time I got an answer and it was simple: "Ok, Steve, you don't have to go to Mass anymore." He was astonished by my answer, and so were my other kids, and, in particular, my wife. I did not know at that time how this was going to end to my satisfaction. But it came around 9 PM that night when my son woke me up to take him to soccer practice at the dome in Bridgewater. I told him that he didn't need to go since he already knew how to play the game. Steve gave me all the important reasons: to keep in shape, to learn different maneuvers and tricks, and practice the interactions with his teammates. And then with the help of the Holy Spirit, we discussed that going to Mass was similar to a soccer practice: we need to keep our hearts and souls in shape, we need to hear the Word over and over to renew our lives, especially if events are challenging, and sometimes we may hear it in a different way. We may hear it in the readings, the psalms, the hymns or the homily. I brought him to soccer practice that night and he continued to go to Mass.

I have known many parishioners past and present who have that special spirit in their hearts. They have suffered many trials and tribulations in their lives. They continue to be faithful by going to Mass and helping those in trouble too. Believe it or not they are my heroes. Many of you are in this Mass right now. Some of these people touched and encouraged others when they knew they were terminally ill.

One day I thought the Spirit left my heart forever and that was the day my youngest daughter died. A friend told me in those difficult days that the Spirit did not leave me. He could still see a little spark and that all it needed was a little blowing to bring back the Flame, the Fire, of the Spirit. Other members in this parish started bringing back that Flame: by visiting, by talking, by just sitting with me not saying anything, by taking me out of the house for a ride, and some by divulging their tragic stories and how the Spirit continued to keep them faithful to God and to live with their losses in peace.

That Spirit in others brought that same Spirit back to me. I may not be the same person, but I feel The Holy Spirit is in my heart more than ever before. When I'm not sure what to say or what to do for those in trouble or if I'm in trouble, I again say, "Come Holy Spirit" and let what ever happens, happen.

Concluding Remarks
As time passes the Holy Spirit has helped me view situations in different ways. I have looked at the stained glass window of Christ above this altar my entire life. In my formative years I saw Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who is all loving, forgiving, who died for our sins. Later on, I saw on that same cross relatives, friends, parishioners with their pain and agony, and at times, I saw my wife and myself on that very same cross.

Going to Mass is not like an insurance policy for things to be perfect in life - no stress, no worries - but it is to give thanks to God for all we have and to call upon the Holy Spirit to give us understanding, help, strength, and the amazing calm and peace to deal with the uncertainties of life here on earth. There is a scripture passage that I understand better now than ever before: "The rain shall fall on the wicked and the just!". Bad things happen to good people too!

Come Holy Spirit!