Breaking Open the Word
May 24 - Pentecost
Introduction
Today is Sunday, May 24th. It is Pentecost Sunday.
The Triduum and Easter Sunday are so important in our Catholic Faith that Pentecost Sunday, which follows fifty days later, is often overlooked. However, the power of Pentecost Sunday and its meaning in our Church today is profound.
In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we see the power of the Holy Spirit. The arrival of the Holy Spirit on those present in the upper room is unmistakable. The reading tells us, “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 and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.”
The coming of the Holy Spirit was so loud that it gathered together a large crowd which wondered what all the commotion was about. The Holy Spirit introduces a new language, one that is diversified, but universal at the same time. We hear of the diversity of “different tongues”, yet we also hear of the universality of “them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God.”
The second reading speaks of the same diversity and universality. Saint Paul speaks of “different kinds of spiritual gifts, forms of service, and different workings but the universality of one Lord, one God, one Spirit.”
How blessed are we to be one of the many parts of the single body of Christ; to be members of His universal church.
Gospel Explained
It is Easter Sunday, Jesus has risen and appears to the disciples. We see, in the Gospel of John, Jesus entering through locked doors to calm his frightened disciples. After offering the disciples peace, Jesus presents them with the gift of the Holy Spirit – “Receive the Holy Spirit”. The Spirit is a gift to be received… and a gift to be given away. Jesus commands his disciples, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” There are no visible signs of the Holy Spirit – no driving wind, no tongues of fire – yet it is no less powerful. The gift of the Holy Spirit in the Gospel scene is quiet, personal, intimate. The power of this moment will become apparent in the months and years ahead. The disciples in this upper room will travel to such diverse places as Antioch, Rome, Greece, Turkey, Africa and India. Strengthened by the Spirit they will spread the Gospel and establish the universal Church.
Today's Theme
Today we are witnesses to the goodness of the Lord, to His everlasting love. We see the manifestation of the Lord’s desire for the peoples of the world; a desire that humanity, while diverse, be drawn into one universal people. A people in relationship with the one Triune God and in relationship with one another. Most importantly, we hear testimony of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and how the gifts of the Spirit, once received must be shared.
The significance of Pentecost Sunday was beautifully stated in this quote from Saint Cyril of Alexandria:
“By the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of the Pentecost, the Church remains in every age vivified and sanctified by Christ’s presence. The Holy Spirit prepares us with his grace to draw us to Christ. He manifests the risen Lord to us, opening our minds. He makes present the mystery of Christ. He reconciles us, bringing us into communion with God. And he interiorly perfects our spirit, communicating to it a new dynamism so that it refrains from evil for love. When the Holy Spirit comes within us it is quite natural for people who had been absorbed by the things of this world to become entirely otherworldly in outlook, and for cowards to become people of great courage.”
Theme in our Life Today
We are invited today to, not only be open to the grace of the Holy Spirit, but to actively seek opportunities to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit. That invitation is to receive the Holy Spirit in powerful public displays AND in quiet, intimate moments.
When do we see the power of the Holy Spirit manifest itself in visible ways? Things that come to mind are Mass, the Sacraments, retreat experiences, an evening of reflection or within the gathering of a small faith community. Do we look to actively participate in these Spirit driven events?
How do we prepare ourselves to receive, personally and intimately, the gifts of the Holy Spirit? Could it be in quiet, contemplative prayer, a visit to the Adoration Chapel, in discernment of the gifts we have, individually, and how we are called, in ministry, to build up the Body of Christ?
Let us pray together the Prayer to the Holy Spirit:
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. O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ our Lord. Amen
Prepare for Sunday
In what ways might the Holy Spirit be calling you to see more clearly the gift of diversity in service to the one, universal Church?
How can you make yourself more open to the grace and gifts of the Holy Spirit in both public, powerful ways and in more quiet, intimate moments?
What gifts of the Holy Spirit have you be given? In what ways is the Spirit calling you to use those gifts?