Hearing the words of the Mass spoken in a different language reminded me of the story of Pentecost found in Acts 2: When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
The Arab Christian population of Bethlehem and the surrounding area is dwindling because of the poverty and lack of opportunity there. Many are leaving in order to find a better life. It would be tragic to lose a Christian presence in the birthplace of Jesus.
