This illuminated letter O by the Camaldolese monk, Lorenzo Monaco (“Lorenzo the Monk”, c. 1370-1425), depicts two parallel passages from today’s Mass readings, the upper half from Acts 2, in which the disciples are all together in one place and tongues of fire come to rest on each one of them, while the lower half evokes John 20:19: “the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews.” Mary, the Mother of Jesus, is the central figure in the upper room, the only figure with not only a flame, but also the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove above her head, recalling Jesus’ baptism: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Mt. 3:17) Her face is serene, as are those of the two young, beardless men below her, one of whom is surely St. John. The older, bearded men look sleepy. doubtful, anxious, and in the case of the one immediately to Mary’s left, downright suspicious, perhaps representing a range of human responses to the eruptions of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
The two figures in the lower half of the picture might challenge us today to consider whom we may be excluding from our faith communities, because of fear or prejudice based on race, social class or cultural differences. Or, in the context of the current pandemic, the two figures may bring to mind those who feel keenly the closing of church doors.
On this particular Pentecost Sunday, we are struck by the contrast between the fire of the Spirit that unites us in God’s love and the fires being lit throughout our country in reaction to a racially motivated murder. What a difference, what an impact any of us can make, in spreading either good or evil in our world!
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful people, and ignite in them the fire of your love, you who have gathered together people of all languages in the unity of faith.
Transfiguration Monastery News 
A wonderful meditation. I’m struck by how artists open up all these insights for us, and how observant people know how to explain them to us. Thank you so much..
Thank you, Rosalie!
Dear Sisters, I read this tonight, as the darkness comes on Pentecost. It has been a sad day, so I am grateful to you for the mediation, both image and words. Albany welcomed a large and peaceful protest on Saturday which turned violent in the dark. People and places I know, where I once lived in the South End, were smashed, lit on fire, and small businesses destroyed. Extensive damage was done all over the city. I watched a live feed on FB until 2am. We are on curfew 7-7 am. My heart is broken seeing the nationwide pain. I find Pentecost in Julian of Norwich’s words “All shall be well…for there is a Force of Love moving through the universe that holds us fast and will not let us go”. I have faith that the Force of Love is entangled with the violence and will change us..May peace come with the changes that are needed in our nation. Pray for the community of Albany please.
Thank you for your response, with news of Albany. First hand reports are so powerful. We are praying for Albany, and for healing of the racism in our country.
Beautifully done! LOVE Virginia – I miss you all and Mike says the Monastery is growing ! ! !
We miss you too, Virginia!!!
Thank you, Sr. Sheila, for an important message, beautifully said. Sending prayers to Albany and all the cities of our broken country.