Reflections on the readings for Pentecost Sunday (June 5, 2022): 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 “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
For those who believe in Christ, we recall how He kept His promise by sending the grace and gifts of the Holy Spirit upon those close to Him.
Today we rejoice in Pentecost Sunday, remembering the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and disciples gathered in prayer just as Jesus had instructed them. After our Lord had ascended to heaven, His followers stayed together for some days. Pentecost comes from Greek for “fiftieth.” But before is became such a pivotal day for Christians, it was a Jewish harvest feast that came fifty days, or about seven weeks after Passover and today it is still celebrated and known as the feast of weeks or Shavuot. For those who believe in Christ, we recall how He kept His promise by sending the grace and gifts of the Holy Spirit upon those close to Him. “When the time came for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:1-4).
Wind and fire -- these are symbols of the very breath of the Spirit and of the power of the Spirit. And when the disciples received them they were transformed. This was not just evident through the gift of speaking in tongues. As amazing as that was, perhaps the most stunning change in the Apostles and others present was their willingness to go out and proclaim the word of God. They shared the message of salvation -- in whatever language -- with fervor and courage. Those who had abandoned Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, who had hidden themselves away from Calvary, now let all who would listen know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and Savior of the world. This feast is also a special occasion because it marks the birthday of the Church founded by Christ. And, because it is so significant to every person who believes in our Redeemer, we should make a point of thanking the Holy Spirit, one with the Father and the Son. We can also ask for the grace and blessings we need to live the life of faith to which we are called -- and to show our fidelity through our daily words and deeds.