PENTECOST SUNDAY, YEAR B

Acts 1:1-11

Psalm 103

Gal 5:16-25

John 15:26-27.16:12-15

PENTECOST : A Transforming Experience

The solemnity of Pentecost commemorates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples of Jesus. The event took place on the Jewish Harvest Festival or Feast of the Weeks, celebrated fifty days after the celebration of the Passover.

The coming of the Holy Spirit was in accordance with Jesus’ promise to his disciples. In his farewell discourse from which today’s gospel is excerpted, Jesus discloses three attributes that describe the work of the Holy Spirit. First, the Holy Spirit is the Paraclete, which means Advocate, Defensor, Comforter (read Luke 12:11-12). Second, he is the Spirit of Truth that proceeds from the Father. He will guide the disciples to the whole truth and reveal to them the truth he takes from Jesus. Finally, the Holy Spirit is a Witness of Christ, for he will bear witness to Christ and glorify him. He will also empower the disciples in order to bear witness to Christ (John 15:26-27.16:12-15).

As described by Luke in the first reading, the Pentecost event was obviously the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise. It was a spectacular and transforming experience, rich in symbolism. It showed that, as Jesus died for all, so the membership of the Church is universal. With the Pentecost event, 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, empowering the disciples to proclaim boldly the wonders of God to all peoples. This way, the Holy Spirit freed the disciples from cowardice and fear, and enabled them to bear witness to Christ (Acts 1:1-11).

We too have received the Holy Spirit at our baptism. He did not only transform our lives, making us sons and daughters of God, but he also made us members of the Church and partakers of her mission. The Holy Spirit continues to teach and guide us. And the truth that he teaches is not a course of study but a way of life that finds concrete expression in “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal 5:16-25).

As we celebrate this wonderful event, let us ask the grace to be renewed and live by the Spirit of God. May he fall afresh on us, mold us, fill us and use us, so as to become true witnesses of Christ. Amen.