Truth & Mercy Series - May 24th 2026

It is a joy to celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost this year after undergoing 9 days of novena as a parish in preparation for it. There is another reason Pentecost is making more sense to me this year. It is bringing us GIFTS from the GIVER of ALL GIFTS. Jesus Christ, who TRIUMPHED on the Cross to bring us salvation. He has vanquished sin forever. He has set us free from the scourge of sin. He has triumphed and brought us victory over sin and death. He has brought NEW Life. 

This new life is TRULY a new way. He comes to introduce us into living the way of the SPIRIT. The scripture said, “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing.” (John 6: 63). The Holy Spirit who is “the promise of the Father” teaches us all things and reminds us of all the things Jesus taught. Who does not want someone reminding them of the “to do list” of Mamas? This time it is the Holy Spirit whom Jesus spoke about as “What I have spoken to you are spirit and life, will introduce us into the life of God and living like Him, who is our Father and our brother. The Holy Spirit is the true path of life in God. This made St. Paul say, “no one can say Jesus is LORD except the spirit of God dwells in them.” (1 Corinthians 12: 3). This is because to profess and acknowledge Him is to follow Him as well, to submit to be guided by Him who is the way, the truth and the life (John 14: 6). 

The Holy Spirit introduces us into truly calling God “Our Father” without His presence in our lives it is impossible to pray “thy will be done” or to put the Will of God into practice. This is because there is always a contention between our own will and God’s Will. There is a battle between both worlds. There is a “dying” to do. This dying is a life process for us humans. Jesus showed how to die by walking to His death from day one. He constantly reminded us even in the garden of gethsemane, “Not my will but yours be done.” It was painful, it was definitely agonizing, yet He promised us no one can take your will away from you. He “willingly entered His passion” and God the Father never failed Him. In times of difficulty or pain, suffering or injustice, can we follow the example He set for us? Is it going to be easy? Surely not. But I can assure you if we call on Him who says to us, “without me you can do nothing.” (John 15: 5). He will surely come to our aid.  He will aid us so that His Spirit will win the battle against the flesh. 

God has so many GRACES to offer us if we persevere on this path. As we progress on this path, we experience the union of wills. We see that the battle is not as intense as at the beginning. We begin to experience the holistic enjoyment of a new way of life. This life is a gift promised to those who persevere. It is not a dash but a marathon. Only constant confession, regular Holy Communion, mortification keeps us on this beautiful path and you can bet, the Lord Jesus never leaves us without support and help.

-Fr. Nicholas Akindele, JCL