Bishop Michael G. Woost challenged the assembled members of the Formation Programs at the Center for Pastoral Leadership, on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at the Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit marking the opening of the new academic and formation year.
Reflecting on St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians and the account of the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan, Bishop Woos
t echoed the urging of St. Paul, “I beg…” “I beg you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received…”“…as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism…”
What is Saint Paul telling us? It’s not just the bishop who is responsible for living in a manner worthy of his call. It’s all of us! “I beg you…”
“On coming up out of the water [Jesus] saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, ‘You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
“Identity – not forgiveness of sins, not the invitation to conversion of life. Identity revealed. Jesus is Spirit-filled, Spirit-led, and Spirit-gifted. Jesus is Beloved. Jesus’ life and ministry is founded upon and permeated by His identity, by His intimate relationship with the Father in the Spirit as beloved Son for God’s People – baptized – identified – for God’s People, for us!”
“And, He is the origin of our call. “
…one Lord, one faith, one baptism…” Through Him, and with Him, and in Him, we are given our identity, baptized as beloved daughters and sons of the same Father in the same Spirit! Jesus calls us to intimate friendship with Him, the Father, and the Spirit. He challenges and supports us in living a life of ongoing conversion, growth in holiness, and fidelity to the gifts the Holy Spirit imparts uniquely upon each of us. Jesus invites us to share in his ministry, mission, and martyrdom – in other words, to live the Paschal Mystery by going out of ourselves and giving of ourselves to others in loving and selfless service.”
To read Bishop Woost’s homily, please click here.
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