The power to believe and to hope...
Reflections on the readings for Pentecost – Mass during the day (May 31, 2020): ACTS 2:1-11; PS 104:1,24,29-30,31.34; 1 COR 12:3-7,12-13; JN 20:19-23
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days
The Spirit presented them with the blessings of peace and joy, courage and forgiveness...
On this Pentecost Sunday, the readings address the Holy Spirit’s coming upon the Apostles and others who were very close to our Lord. The power of the Spirit would unite them with God in a very real way and enable them to witness to Christ’s message of salvation for all people. The descent of the Holy Spirit, the second person of the Blessed Trinity, is regarded as the birthday of the Church. It was from that day on that the Apostles went out to teach all nations – just as Jesus had instructed them. Because the Spirit presented them with the blessings of peace and joy, courage and forgiveness, Christ’s followers could start to transform the world by sharing all that He had revealed to them.
In his letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul reminds the early Christians that we must understand that there is only one Spirit and only through Him can we truly have faith and hope in our Savior. “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit” (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). Every gift of the Holy Spirit is vital to the entire community and each one must be appreciated as part of the whole and a contribution to the Church, not just to an individual. Moreover, every gift is offered according to God’s will, not our personal preference or worth. We need to respect all gifts of the Spirit and encourage everyone to value and use the divine guidance and grace God provides.
Suggested missionary action: We can pray to the Holy Spirit often, asking for whatever gifts will help us honor and serve God and His people to the best of our God-given abilities. We can also pray for the gifts of the Holy Spirit in these challenging days.