Introduction

The year 2000 is an exceptional year for us here in Hawaii, not only being a Jubilee year but also the year when the Synode of the Diocese will open on June 11, Pentecost Day. It brings back to memory special calls from Pope John XXIII, Pope Paul VI and, Pope John Paul II.

Pope John XXIII announced the Vatican II Council as a special inspiration from the Holy Spirit and asked the bishops to beg Him "to renew in our days His marvels as a New Pentecost". In the same spirit, Pope Paul VI stressed that: "The first need of the Church is to always live Pentecost". And in our days, Pope John Paul II repeats frequently that the New Evangelization must spring from Pentecostal grace. (Suenens, p. 79)

They all referred to Jesus' final instructions to the Apostles and disciples that they could not achieve, by their talents alone, to do God's Will and to be His witnesses to the end of the earth, but that they needed to wait the coming of the Holy Spirit to give them the power to do so. At Pentecost, each one received this power in the form of spiritual gifts (charisms), and by accepting and using them they were transformed and ready for their mission. Having been baptized and confirmed, we also have received this power.

So, why are these spiritual gifts so essential to everyone of us? To use the definition of Charles V. Bryant: "Spiritual gifts are special, extraordinary abilities that God gives to build up the body of Christ, the Church, for ministry to its members and, through its members, the world." (Bryant, Rediscovering Our Spiritual Gifts, p. 59)