Reflection for Sunday – May 31, 2026

Cathy GlissonSunday Readings Homilies

Readings: Exodus 34: 4b-6, 8-9; 2 Corinthians 13: 11-13; John 13:16-18 
Preacher: Cathy Glisson

Just last week we celebrated Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit to live in and among us. As Ordinary Time returns, we transition with several very important solemnities, starting this Sunday with the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity. The three readings for this Sunday have a simple, common thread: God is love. On this feast we celebrate that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are love. We are the recipients of God’s divine love and mercy so that we, with the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, may continue the ministry of Jesus in the world today. “For God so loved the world…”

As I reflect on these readings and this feast, words come to me from two people whose spiritual wisdom I greatly value. The first set of words were spoken about 20 years ago when I began discerning parish ministry as a calling. “You have a restless heart,” was the observation, “and the Spirit is alive and working within you.” Throughout the years of parish ministry that followed, I worked to follow my restless heart, learning to trust that it was really the Spirit who was leading —leading me to ways to share and live my own faith, to bring God’s love and mercy to others, to grow Christian communities where people could come to know Jesus more fully in their lives and hearts.

The second set of words were spoken to me at the end of 2025, shortly before my retirement from parish ministry: “You need a mission statement for your retirement.” Huh! While this guidance was a surprise, as I prayed on it, it made perfect sense for me.

Five months into my semi-retirement, however, I often find myself trying to wrangle that restless heart, not really sure where the Spirit is leading as the journey of faith, prayer, and service continues. If I had a mission statement I would share it, but I think it’s important to let it be a work in progress.

Here are the things I know.  Personally, it’s time for my husband and family to come first; it’s smart for me to attend to my health and fitness; it’s good to read more; it was time to get a puppy!

Spiritually, I am not surprised to be relishing slower, quieter, more contemplative mornings or to have it affirmed that, for me, community is a very important part of participation in liturgy. And I really should do more spiritual writing (someday!).

The more challenging facet of this semi-retirement thing is ministry. I consider myself semi-retired because I continue as Co-Director of Penfield Hope four days a week, serving people in the Penfield area who are living with food and housing insecurity. This is how I continue to live out my response to the love of God dwelling within me and the prompting of the Spirit. We like to say at Penfield Hope that we follow the example of Christ, and I hope we do.  

But an integral part of my calling has always been about sharing faith with other adults. I feel grateful for the friends who have gathered with me and Tom to do just that, particularly around the writing of Pope Leo. Small Christian community keeps my faith fresh and alive.

As you ponder your own heart and where the love of God and the Spirit may be leading you, today, where are you most restless? It may be about the state of the world and our desperate need for peace and acceptance of all God’s children. Maybe it is something that’s out of balance in your personal world. Are there needs in the community that need your love and attention?

When our restlessness is about the Spirit, I find that most often, following your heart is what brings you back to the love of God and fills you with the infinite grace of Jesus so you can go forth to serve. As St. Paul blessed the Corinthians, may we too be blessed: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.”

Cathy Glisson
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