Acts 1:1-11
Psalm 103
Romans 8:8-17
John 14:15-16.23-26
A NEW PENTECOST FOR US!!!
The solemnity of Pentecost commemorates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. The event took place on Pentecost, the Jewish Harvest Festival or Feast of the Weeks, an occasion when the Jews recalled their covenant with God on Mount Sinai, fifty days after their escape from Egypt.
This day was foretold by the prophets, and announced by Jesus Christ. For he promised the disciples that he would send them the Advocate, the Defender, the Holy Spirit. Here he clearly outlines the works of the Holy Spirit: He would be with the disciples for ever; he would teach them everything and reminds them of all that Jesus had told them (John 14:15-16.23-26).
The first reading narrates the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise. As described by Luke, the Pentecost event was a unique, spectacular and transforming experience. With it the Jesus’ group was henceforth open to everyone, freely involving anyone it comes across as the wind, having a burning and transforming power like fire, proclaiming the wonders of God to all peoples. This way, the Holy Spirit freed the disciples from cowardice and fear, and empowered them to speak boldly about the wonders of God (Acts 1:1-11).
We too have received the Holy Spirit at our baptism. Hence, St Paul tells us in the second reading that we have received not a spirit of slavery and fear, but the Spirit of freedom and sonship that cries out in us to God: “Abba, Father”. As such, we must live by the Spirit of God allowing him to move and lead us. This way, our lives will become living testimonies to the wonders of God. For each of us is a miracle of God’s grace given to us in the Holy Spirit. It is high time therefore to come out of our self-inflicted prisons caused by fear, selfishness, wickedness, divisions, etc so as to allow others experience the love of God.
May the Holy Spirit fall afresh on us, mold us, fill us and use us, enabling us to be true witnesses of Christ. Amen.
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