Fr. Bob's Reflection for Pentecost Sunday - Guest Post

Years ago, Leonard LeSourd, a former editor of Guideposts Magazine, was at dinner with a group of people discussing a film about Jesus. At one point, a young woman, clearly uninterested, interrupted the conversation and asked, “Who would want to be like Jesus, anyway?” An uneasy silence fell over the table before the group quickly moved on to another topic. Later, Leonard reflected on the moment. Why had her remark caused such discomfort? Perhaps some were offended. Others may have shared her disinterest. But Leonard wondered if the deeper issue was simpler: maybe she did not really know Jesus. That question stayed with him and led to a more personal one: “How well do I know Jesus?” As he reflected, Leonard realized that over the course of his life, he had encountered five different “versions” of Christ. He first met Jesus as a child in Sunday school. Back then, Christ was little more than a distant, stern figure in a picture on the wall – far less interesting than baseball or childhood games. Leonard later described this early impression as “The Imaginary Christ,” a figure shaped by a young mind and limited understanding. In college, he encountered “The Historical Christ” in a history class. Jesus became, in his mind, simply another important figure of the past; admired, but not personally meaningful, much like Abraham Lincoln or other great leaders. It wasn’t until later, while working at Guideposts, that Leonard discovered “The Teacher Christ.” Through interviews and stories of faith, he began to see how deeply Jesus’ teachings influenced people’s lives. His curiosity grew, and he found himself drawn more seriously to the Gospels. A turning point came during a retreat centered on commitment to Christ. After hearing another participant speak about surrendering his life to Jesus, Leonard felt moved to do the same. Alone in a chapel, he knelt and prayed, “Lord, I don’t fully understand how I came to this moment, but I give my life to You.” In that moment, he encountered “The Savior Christ,” and his relationship with Jesus became personal and central. Finally, Leonard came to know “The Indwelling Christ.” During a time of temptation and spiritual struggle, he remembered his commitment and became newly aware of Christ’s presence within him – alive and active through the Holy Spirit. It was then that everything in Scripture began to fall into place. He saw more clearly the journey of the Apostles: their commitment, their failures and ultimately their transformation at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit filled them with new life and courage. This is the reality we celebrate today – the coming of the Holy Spirit and the living presence of Christ within His people. Leonard once compared his journey to the growth of a plant. The seed was planted in childhood with the “Imaginary Christ.” The stem began to grow with the “Historical Christ.” The bud formed in the “Teacher Christ.” The plant reached maturity in the “Savior Christ.” And finally, it bore fruit in the “Indwelling Christ.” That same journey is offered to each of us. The presence of the indwelling Christ is not just a theological idea. It is a living reality. It is what we celebrate today, both in the life of the Church and in our own hearts. Yours in Christ, Fr. Robert Warren, S.A. Spiritual Director