Walking with Jesus: Pentecost Sunday

Acts 2:1-11; 1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13; John 20:19-23

Our minds are filled with many things. Talking with an old friend, we sometimes notice that we’ve been all over the place getting caught up in the many “newsy” items we want to share since the last time we connected. The “crazy” thing about friendship is that we never get lost in this conversation. It's just great connecting with someone special and realizing the depth and importance of our love together.

Today’s readings are also all over the place. They give an account of the Church’s beginnings. They describe why the message of Jesus hasn’t gone out of people’s minds after His ascent into heaven. They put into words the transformation of easily frightened followers, to 12 chief disciples who are fiery apostles. The readings also convey insight into the mysterious Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity. Quite an undertaking … what a transformation!

Think for a moment: When have powerful words changed our lives, for better or for worse? “Do you take this person as your husband … wife ... until death do you part?” We hear the words: “I now pronounce you husband and wife” … “you are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek” … “I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies. …” Powerful, life-changing words, and we are grateful.

But Pentecost is more. It is God telling us that life is bigger than we are … even bigger than we can imagine. At the end of today’s chapter, John writes why he wrote this Gospel: “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in His name.” [John 20:30-31] We certainly cherish and treasure our lives and the lives of those we love. But we sense that there is more to it than the limited version we experience. Our hearts are not satisfied with what life offers. There always seems to be more. God made us this way. Our lives are a search for this truth. This is expressed as life with Christ … forever … in heaven … with all those who know and love, and who are lived and loved, by loving God. God only asks that we believe in Him and trust and follow Him. Do I ask God for help with this? The readings help today.

After Jesus ascends into heaven (last Sunday’s feast), the apostles are in Jerusalem waiting for the promised Holy Spirit. They are no longer in fear … they are praying. Suddenly they are stopped in their tracks by an enormous, powerful wind. God has taken the initiative: Flames of fire appear first as a unit, then separate over each one present. Each is transformed from doubter to confident believer. With the exception of St. John, all are martyred because they believe in Jesus. How special is this event: everyone from all over, speaking different languages, can understand everything the apostles speak. Diversity is brought into unity by the Holy Spirit. Do I doubt what the Spirit can do?

Paul shares how the different believers manifest many different gifts, showing that “… the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.” [I Corinthians 12:7]  Paul shares that this has given rise to some form of elitism to those endowed with these charismatic gifts. He explains that the Spirit doesn’t divide; only Satan does because all gifts come from the same God for the purpose of the one Body of Christ: all believers.

In the Gospel, Jesus gives His disciples His peace. He commissions them to carry on His word in their world. With the Holy Spirit, He empowers them with countless gifts to help them in their ministry and adds the power to forgive or retain sins. Look at what has happened: Jesus has been horribly killed. The apostles are hiding behind locked doors in the only place they feel safe in Jerusalem. Are they on the “kill list?” Jesus appears and says, “Peace be with you.” [John 20:19 & 21] When they realize that this is Jesus, they rejoice. They no longer are slaves to fear. God never abandons us or makes us orphans. The Holy Spirit sets all people free to minister as Jesus’ hands and feet … ears and mouth … in order to serve God and bring people to know God more.

So I reflect on:

Do not let yourselves be guided by the spirit of self-indulgence. Look at the legacy self-indulgence produces: bad temper, fighting, jealousy, cruelty, meanness, revenge, fornication, idolatry and drunkenness. These are ugly things, and make life miserable. Rather, let yourself be guided by the Spirit of God. Look at the legacy the Spirit brings: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These are beautiful things, and make life joyful. They are a foretaste of the joy of heaven. Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us.  [Flor McCarthy, SDB]

Sacred Space 2021 asks:

• Jesus’ disciples were afraid. What causes me to be afraid? Is faith a source of peace for me?
• Have I ever found myself in that room with the disciples? And then what happened? 
• He “breathed” on them! Reminiscent of Genesis and God breathing on the chaos. Can I ask Him to breathe on my chaos?
• Can I ask for the gift of His Spirit to fill me with His peace and His light?