Pentecost

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost. This most important day marks the birth of the Church and is celebrated 50 days after Easter, signifying the end of the Easter season. The Mass readings for today clearly emphasize the role of the Holy Spirit, not just in the lives of Jesus’ disciples, but in our lives also. Even in the daily readings leading up to the day of Pentecost, we hear that, through the Spirit’s gifts, we too are not only empowered, but also are sent to share the message of Jesus Christ with the world: “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” (John 20:21)

What are these gifts of the Holy Spirit? While they are not mentioned specifically by name in our readings today, we may remember them from our Catechism classes long ago: wisdom, understanding, counsel, knowledge, fortitude, piety, and fear of the Lord.

In our first reading from Acts, the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, enabling them to speak in different languages so that everyone there could hear and understand in their own language, leading to the conversion of thousands. This event marked the beginning of the Church, and the Holy Spirit continued, and continues today, to play a vital role in its growth and development.

In the second reading, taken from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, he emphasizes the importance of various gifts given by the Holy Spirit. Each person may receive a different spiritual gift, but all these gifts are from the same Spirit. They are meant to be used for the benefit of the entire body of Christ and to build up the Church.

Paul compares the Church to a human body, made up of many parts that work together to function as one body. In the same way, the Church is a unified body in Christ through the Holy Spirit, with each member playing a unique role in building up the Church.

In our Gospel reading, Jesus breathes on his disciples, giving them the gift of the Holy Spirit and commissioning them to forgive sins, emphasizing that forgiveness and reconciliation are central to the gospel message. This commissioning is empowered by the Holy Spirit, but don’t think that it was just for the disciples. Through the Holy Spirit, all believers are empowered to do the work of Christ and are sent to spread the gospel message to all nations. This means that we too have been empowered by the Holy Spirit and commissioned to share this message and to continue the work of Christ in the world. We too have been sent!

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth. Amen.

Peace be with you,

Deacon Ed