May 23 - Pentecost Sunday

(Acts 2:1-11; 1 Cor 12:3-13; Jn 20:19-23)

Acts of the Apostles is the only New Testament book to tell the story of the first Christian Pentecost. The Jewish Pentecost, Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles or Booths, or Feast of First Fruits, and was a pilgrimage feast. Like the fire of Moses’ burning bush, the Holy Spirit does not destroy but brings a supernatural power to those who receive it. Pentecostal fire is not only for the Apostles. Each one present begins to speak in different languages. There are always people in our lives whose languages we speak. Fire is powerful. This is the image that we hear about today as we learn more about the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles at Pentecost. Our Psalm reminds us when God sends out God’s spirit, God renews the face of the earth. I Corinthians explains whatever spiritual gifts individuals possess, whatever ministries they perform, they are the one body of Christ animated by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives special gifts to be used in service of the others. The purpose of the variety is not individual importance, but harmony. A body is at peace when the parts work harmoniously together. John reminds us that Jesus sends the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles just as he promised he would. Jesus breathes forth the life of his Spirit at the moment of his death, and enables us to receive that Spirit through his sacrifice on the Cross. The disciple’s ability to forgive and retain sins is closely tied to the promised activity of the Holy Spirit. When we struggle to “forgive those who trespass against us,” the Holy Spirit is always ready to assist us. What we are powerless to do alone, he will do in us.

• We have all experienced a prompting by the Holy Spirit to say something to someone – something that may seem very uncomfortable. Are you willing to follow the Holy Spirit as he leads you on a path of deeper fulfillment in your life?
• The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, knowledge, fortitude, piety, and fear of the Lord. What gifts do you have and how do you share them with others?
• Confirmation is the sacrament that seals the graces given at Baptism. Confirmation binds us more closely to Christ, increases the gifts of the Spirit, and gives us special strength to act as true witnesses of the Faith. How have you been empowered to share Christ with others?