Homily for the Solemnity of Pentecost

Harry Winston’s name is legendary in the world of gemology. The company Harry Winston founded back in 1920 is considered one of the finest jewelers in the world. 

There is a story about a salesman in Winston's firm who was showing a beautiful diamond to a rich Dutch merchant. The prospective customer listened thoughtfully to the expert description of the gem, but finally said, "It's a beautiful stone, but it’s not exactly what I want."

Winston had watched the scene unfold. As the merchant was making his way to the door, Winston stopped him and asked, "Do you mind if I show you that diamond once more?"

The merchant agreed. Winston took the stone in his hand. He didn’t repeat anything the salesman had said. He simply talked about the gem as an object of deep beauty. Abruptly the customer changed his mind and bought the diamond.

While he was waiting for the gem to be packaged, the customer turned to Winston and asked, "Why did I buy this diamond immediately from you when I had no difficulty at all saying ‘no’ to your salesman?"

Harry Winston answered, "That salesman is one of the best in the business. He knows diamonds - but I love them."

Today, on this Solemnity of Pentecost, we celebrate the Spirit of God: the real love, great love, that binds the Father to the Son and now binds us to God and to one another.

It is a love that transcends words and laws and sentiments and embraces the heart and soul of each one of us; it is a love that gives voice to the things we really believe but are too afraid to speak; it is a love that inspires us; it is the courage and grace to work for the dreams that we are sometimes too cynical or fearful to hope for.

May we always realize the Spirit of God within us, always aware of the presence of God in our lives that enables us to be the people God calls us to become.+