Pentecost Sunday
(Acts 2:1-11; Galatians 5:16-25; John 15:16-17.16:12-15)
Today we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit on the
disciples of Jesus. Certainly of the three persons of the one God, the Spirit
is the least appreciated. However, the Church affirms that the Spirit has equal
dignity with the Father and the Son. To know him better, let's turn to what the
Scriptures say about him. We will use the readings from today's masses and from
yesterday's vigil.
The first reading of the vigil is from Genesis. It tells how
God confused human languages when men were trying to build a tower that would
reach heaven. At Pentecost the Spirit superimposes itself on the many languages
being spoken in Jerusalem that day by pilgrims from all over the Mediterranean
world so that all might understand the disciples' proclamation.
The second reading is from Exodus. It talks about the
alliance that God made with the Israelites at Sinai. God descended on the
mountain with fire and smoke to seal his covenant. The descent of the Spirit
with tongues of fire resembles this act of confirmation. The Holy Spirit seals
the New Covenant between God and the community of Jesus’ disciples. Those
baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit will receive
forgiveness of their sins and the destiny of eternal life.
The third reading comes from the prophet Ezekiel. It tells
of God reviving the dry bones with a new spirit that puts nerves, flesh, and
skin into them. This act refers to Christ's promise to resurrect the remains of
believers at the end of time. Also, it foreshadows the Holy Spirit renewing the
disciples with his gifts: wisdom, understanding, counsel, knowledge, strength,
piety, and fear of God.
The fourth reading from the prophet Joel tells how the
spirit of God will be poured out on the people on the “Day of the Lord.” He
will inspire them to imagine a just society and strengthen you to proclaim their
vision to the world.
Yesterday's epistle of the Letter to the Romans deals with
the Spirit helping the Christian community to pray. Through the Spirit the
disciples do not ask the Father for superficial things but for the resources to
endure the setbacks in life until the Kingdom comes. The gospel continues along
this line. It tells of Jesus inviting
those thirsting for righteousness that they will receive it with the Spirit.
Today's masses give the priest celebrant several options for
readings. In all of them the work of the Spirit is manifested. The First Letter
to the Corinthians reports that the grace of the Spirit is necessary to believe
in Jesus as Lord. It adds that believers have different gifts or talents. Together
they make up the Body of Christ which is present to the world to achieve the
common good.
An alternative reading from the Letter to the Galatians proclaims
that the Spirit overcomes the reign of selfishness in individual lives. It
replaces the vices of lust, anger, and envy with the virtues of self-control,
meekness, and kindness.
One option for the gospel shows Jesus endowing his apostles
with the Holy Spirit so that they might reconcile sinners to God. In the other
Jesus presents the Holy Spirit as the “Spirit of truth” who strengthens the
apostles when they preach their victory over sin and death.
What might we say in summary of the Holy Spirit? We can say that the Holy Spirit is God who comes
to us to help us live as disciples of Jesus Christ. He is the love that unifies
us with one another in the Body of Christ. He is also the benefactor who enables
us resist vices and practice virtues. He is the inspiration that moves us to speak
with others about Jesus Christ. Finally, the Spirit is the source of new life
that purifies us today from sins and on the final day will reconstitute our
bodies to enjoy eternal life.
