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In This Issue:
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"The Holy Spirit, Gift of the Father."
The readings for this day reveal a profound insight into the mystery of Pentecost. Pentecost marks the conclusion of the "great fifty days," the Easter Season. On the fiftieth day after Easter (Passover) the Jews celebrated the giving of the Mosaic Law at Sinai and the establishment of Israel as God's people. At Pentecost, we celebrate the giving of the Spirit to God's people and, related to it, the establishment of the new Israel, the Church.
| Day readings for Pentecost Sunday - Year C Theme: The Holy Spirit, Gift of the Father. |
Vigil readings for Pentecost Sunday: Theme: The Spirit at Work. |
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The Bible readings for both the Vigil and the Day of Pentecost reveal the function of the Holy Spirit. When we
apply our limited hearts and minds to the contemplation of the infinite God and outpouring of his Spirit, we
must realize that all the Bible can do is attempt to say some meaningful things about the Spirit of God in
limited human terminology. Human speech cannot possibly express adequately who God is.
Reading one from the Vigil readings are from the Old Testament. The images used in these readings inspired
the New Testament passages on the Spirit. The symbolism can be meaningful to us as we try to understand God's
Holy Spirit.
We begin by seeing the Spirit as a unifying force. "It holds all things together" (Wisdom 1:7: Entrance
Antiphon of the Day Mass). Hence, the first of the four texts for the First Reading concerns the confusion of
speech at Babel, a reversal of the Pentecost narrative where the Spirit unites by overcoming division caused
by misunderstanding (different tongues!).
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The Spirit is seen as the principle of love. Hence, the symbolism of fire is used. In the second text from Exodus, the Lord came down in fire as on the disciples at Pentecost. "Come, Holy Spirit,...and kindle in them the fire of your love" (Gospel Acclamation).
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The Spirit is seen as life-giving, as the "rauh Yahweh" - the breath (spirit) of the God-Creator hovering over the water (Genesis 1:1). Hence, the third text is the famous passage from Ezekiel where the spirit (breath) of the Lord reanimates dry bones, which stand for the house of Israel, God's people.
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The Spirit is seen as a strong driving wind inspiring people to preach the Gospel. Hence, the fourth text is from Joel: "I will pour out my spirit [breath] upon all mankind. Your sons and daughters shall prophesy," as the apostles did on Pentecost: speaking "in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim" (First Reading for the Day Mass).
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The point of all these readings (God's word) is that we should apply this to the Church of today, but
especially to ourselves! "Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of
your love. Alleluia, alleluia." (Gospel Acclamation).
The Spirit, whom the Lord Jesus sends from the Father, will remind us of all that the Lord has taught us. He
will animate us and help us to know and understand our religion not only with our mind but with our heart and
soul. "I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit that the Father will send in
my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you." (John 14:25-26).
"God of light, send your Spirit into our lives with the power of a mighty wind, and by the flame of your
wisdom to open the horizons of our minds." (Alternative Opening Prayer).
2007
SJV
Fiesta
Winners Revealed
The Annual SJV Fiesta Committee was held on Friday, May 18 to Sunday, May 20 for three days of fun and excitement. Everyone experienced fun-filled days with onsite rides, food, entertainment, books, etc. If you have photos you would like to share and see posted on this site, contact the parish office at (408) 258-7832 or send an email to webmaster@sjvnews.net.
The winners of the raffle on Sunday were:
| First Prize | $10,000 | Pete Alvarez |
| Second Prize | Christian Diokno | |
| Third Prize | Esther Oda | |
| Fourth Prize | Lauren Tovar | |
| Fifth Prize | Robin Diaz | |
| Sixth Prize | Lorito Victoria | |
| Seventh Prize | Juan Rivas | |
| Eighth Prize | Ray Zuniga | |
| Shrine Winner | Tatiana Kaska |
Visit the fiesta web page or contact dave@TheRedCarpetTeam.com with any comments.
Spiritual
Growth
Bible Study Groups
at St. John Vianney
Learn the Bible
... from one of the Most inspiring Teachers in the
Catholic Church
Today. An 24-week video course that will transform your knowledge of the
bible! The "Great Adventure Bible Timeline" will give
you the tools for a lifetime of enriching bible study and devotional
reading. Developed and presented by Catholic theologian and author Jeff
Cavins, this video Bible Timeline seminar will give you "the big
picture" of salvation history by showing you how people, places, events
and themes of the bible fit together.
On Thursday evenings join us for a Bible Timeline course that is an overview of the entire bible. Registration is required for the course. If you are interested, please call the parish office at (408) 258-7832.
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Parish
Events Calendar: |
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Praying the
Scriptures: Visit this web site for ideas on praying the Scriptures: www.liturgy.slu.edu
Take a
Moment to Pray: |
St.
John Vianney Parish Mission Statement
We, the people of St. John Vianney
Parish, 
seek to promote the Gospel through evangelization, worship and community
outreach to a diverse community in the San Jose eastern foothills. We recognize the community to be ethnically,
economically, intergenerational and domestically mixed, and therefore resolve to strive for a broad vision of this
parish's needs in light of the Gospel.
We are committed to fulfill the above goals by working together, offering supportive presence to one another, and
arriving at decision through prayer, active listening and consensus.
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