Pentecost Sunday: Walking with Jesus on the Birthday of the Church
Acts 2:1-11; 1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13; John 20:19-23
Am I aware that the Holy Spirit works within me? Do I realize that every time I am kind, helpful, compassionate, caring and forgiving, I am using the gifts that Holy Spirit has conferred on me to reach out and share with others? Do I know that this means I am being Jesus to those in need?
The readings today center on powerful images acknowledging the presence and work of the Holy Spirit: “… a noise like a strong driving wind … tongues of fire … that came to rest of each … to speak in different tongues. …” This had to be an unforgettable event. Even the people assembled from all over heard these Galileans speaking but they were hearing what was said in their native tongue. How is this possible? This is the most amazing thing I have ever heard … what does all this mean … and they are talking about this Jesus?
Still more amazing things are happening: These eleven apostles, who ran away scared from the Garden of Gethsemane -- only John came back to the crucifixion -- now are speaking in public. These fear-filled followers have been transformed into bold preachers. What is being seen is the power of the Lord. Do we ever stop when reading this and see how this same transformation has been seen many times in our own lives? The times we've defended a person wrongly accused … or stood up for a person who was being neglected or mocked … or seeing situations that were unfair and people were being mistreated and maligned and we defended them … or the times we were asked to help the needy by our contributions, or working to deliver food or in a food pantry and we responded … or the time we defended what Jesus said, or the teaching of the Church or the commands of Jesus to love -- especially those most in need -- and we spoke right out. In each of these situations, and countless more, we felt good; we felt as if there was an injustice and we somehow knew we were called to respond -- and we did. Where did we get this boldness? Why did we respond as we did when normally we would have walked away? This is the power and the working of the Holy Spirit. We said YES to God … responding to the call of being a follower of Jesus. The feeling we have can be properly called one of peace.
“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them: ‘Peace be with you. … Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so I send you. ... Receive the Holy Spirit.'” [John 20:19, 21-22]
We can insert each of us into this saying, because as I stated previously, we continue to be willing instruments of the Holy Spirit because we are responding to those in need. Paul is describing this to the Corinthians as receiving Spiritual gifts from the Holy Spirit: “… that there are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord … [and] to each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.” All of these have one purpose; as varied as they are, they have one thing in common: they are to be used in building up the believers and followers of Jesus, the Church. They are fulfilling the Church’s mission, which is telling all that God loves us. Jesus witnessed this love by giving His own life for our salvation. As a result of us saying YES, we live the love given us so people can see God’s love for all.
The Spirit of God at this Pentecost broke down language barriers and also many adult barriers of race, nationality, gender, religious affiliation and culture. This is certainly a message that the COVID-19 virus has mimicked: all are susceptible, all are one in eliminating this threat. Here the Spirit is telling us that God’s vision of an earth united as one, in one human family, united in peace, respect and justice, and responding to those most in need, is a message for all. It is from God. It is God’s plan. God sends the Spirit of Love to help us. Am I finding the Holy Spirit in the sacraments and teachings of the Church? Am I finding the Spirit’s love in people God has placed in my life? Am I sharing the life and love with which I have been blessed? This is God’s plan for the world and for me. Am I grateful?
So I reflect on:
“Take time today and allow the word Peace to echo in your mind and heart. Let the word and all it may mean fill your body and remain within you. It is the constant promise of Jesus to His followers. It is a gift nobody can take from us. Give time each day to receive this gift of God’s Spirit. He gives it without even being asked.
“As you receive peace from God, send this peace in a prayer to those close to you or those who may sorely need prayer today.”
Am I aware that the Holy Spirit works within me? Do I realize that every time I am kind, helpful, compassionate, caring and forgiving, I am using the gifts that Holy Spirit has conferred on me to reach out and share with others? Do I know that this means I am being Jesus to those in need?
The readings today center on powerful images acknowledging the presence and work of the Holy Spirit: “… a noise like a strong driving wind … tongues of fire … that came to rest of each … to speak in different tongues. …” This had to be an unforgettable event. Even the people assembled from all over heard these Galileans speaking but they were hearing what was said in their native tongue. How is this possible? This is the most amazing thing I have ever heard … what does all this mean … and they are talking about this Jesus?
Still more amazing things are happening: These eleven apostles, who ran away scared from the Garden of Gethsemane -- only John came back to the crucifixion -- now are speaking in public. These fear-filled followers have been transformed into bold preachers. What is being seen is the power of the Lord. Do we ever stop when reading this and see how this same transformation has been seen many times in our own lives? The times we've defended a person wrongly accused … or stood up for a person who was being neglected or mocked … or seeing situations that were unfair and people were being mistreated and maligned and we defended them … or the times we were asked to help the needy by our contributions, or working to deliver food or in a food pantry and we responded … or the time we defended what Jesus said, or the teaching of the Church or the commands of Jesus to love -- especially those most in need -- and we spoke right out. In each of these situations, and countless more, we felt good; we felt as if there was an injustice and we somehow knew we were called to respond -- and we did. Where did we get this boldness? Why did we respond as we did when normally we would have walked away? This is the power and the working of the Holy Spirit. We said YES to God … responding to the call of being a follower of Jesus. The feeling we have can be properly called one of peace.
“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them: ‘Peace be with you. … Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so I send you. ... Receive the Holy Spirit.'” [John 20:19, 21-22]
We can insert each of us into this saying, because as I stated previously, we continue to be willing instruments of the Holy Spirit because we are responding to those in need. Paul is describing this to the Corinthians as receiving Spiritual gifts from the Holy Spirit: “… that there are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord … [and] to each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.” All of these have one purpose; as varied as they are, they have one thing in common: they are to be used in building up the believers and followers of Jesus, the Church. They are fulfilling the Church’s mission, which is telling all that God loves us. Jesus witnessed this love by giving His own life for our salvation. As a result of us saying YES, we live the love given us so people can see God’s love for all.
The Spirit of God at this Pentecost broke down language barriers and also many adult barriers of race, nationality, gender, religious affiliation and culture. This is certainly a message that the COVID-19 virus has mimicked: all are susceptible, all are one in eliminating this threat. Here the Spirit is telling us that God’s vision of an earth united as one, in one human family, united in peace, respect and justice, and responding to those most in need, is a message for all. It is from God. It is God’s plan. God sends the Spirit of Love to help us. Am I finding the Holy Spirit in the sacraments and teachings of the Church? Am I finding the Spirit’s love in people God has placed in my life? Am I sharing the life and love with which I have been blessed? This is God’s plan for the world and for me. Am I grateful?
So I reflect on:
- Why don’t I trust God more?
- Jesus appeared to the Apostles and held out His hands that had touched and healed so many and multiplied the loaves, and asks me to use my hands, arms, feet -- all my senses -- to help. What do I need to respond to God’s command?
- How would my faith change if Christ appeared to me physically as He appeared to the apostles? Imagine this … be still … respond to the Lord!
“Take time today and allow the word Peace to echo in your mind and heart. Let the word and all it may mean fill your body and remain within you. It is the constant promise of Jesus to His followers. It is a gift nobody can take from us. Give time each day to receive this gift of God’s Spirit. He gives it without even being asked.
“As you receive peace from God, send this peace in a prayer to those close to you or those who may sorely need prayer today.”
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