Walking with Jesus: Pentecost Sunday

For Sunday, May 28, 2023

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

Have you ever been at a loss for something to say? Have you ever wondered what the future has in store for you? Have you thought you may have made the wrong decision for your livelihood or in certain relationships? Have you ever felt like the cards are stacked against you? Have you ever imagined what it would be like if you started life all over again? These questions have come up in my life. They are not comfortable.

The Bottom Line

You and I have worried moments and fears. Sometimes these fears hold such a grip on me that I feel paralyzed, tied up in knots, unable to get out of the situation I’m stuck in — and I’m helpless. Is there any light at the end of the tunnel? Do I compare my situation with what the apostles faced on their first Pentecost Sunday? Probably not. The gospels give the gruesome account of Jesus’ torture, crucifixion and death. Fearing their own arrest and possible death, the apostles run away when the soldiers and religious authorities come to imprison Jesus. Eventually they gather at their “safe place,” the Upper Room: “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.’” [John 20:19] “After showing them His hands and side he said again, ‘Peace be with you.’” [John 20:21] Their fear is very real. Our fears are very real. We decide how much they control us and even the direction we allow them to move us. Today’s readings focus on the important missing link the disciples witness and learn: God is always with us. Are we on the same page?

Their friend and teacher has been killed. Nothing makes sense. Nothing comforts them. They don’t have 2,000-plus years of Christian theology to help them interpret their experience which is new, raw, and scary. They are locked in, not knowing where to go … where to find help. Where is God?

The first reading from Acts shows where the disciples are. Since His death and resurrection, Jesus has been appearing and explaining to them that the Holy Spirit will be coming into their lives to put all fears and worries behind them. They will realize that they have been called by God and chosen to be His witnesses to the world. We have received the same summons and have been accepted in our call to Baptism, the Eucharist and Confirmation. Last week the disciples gathered in Galilee and THOUGHT that Jesus would tell them when God will kick Rome’s cruelty and domination out of Israel. He said NO, that’s not God’s plan. They will be receiving the Holy Spirit. Today is that day — Pentecost — and the Spirit fills them and informs them that God’s plan has begun its final phase, the redemption of the world. And each of us has our part to play.

Paul is writing to the Corinthians, who have been thinking about receiving the special gift of the Holy Spirit — prophecy — speaking in tongues. The Spirit gifts all people: No one is considered to be above another; all must strive for unity in love that Paul will be teaching them two chapters later. All gifts are not private but for the community. Jesus has died for all, and we are baptized into one body and with each other to share Christ’s life intimately. “I will show you a better way: love.”

Jesus appears, despite the fact that the doors have been locked and fortified. His first greeting brings happiness ... they have been assuming He has returned to heaven forever. Now Jesus unravels their confused plans and launches them on His Way. He breathes on them … the same word Moses uses in describing the creation account. Do we realize that the same Spirit has been sent to us in the sacraments? Our frozen beliefs and practices can be superstitions and alternate idols. But we have received the Holy Spirit, who is constantly with us, helping us understand that our mission is to be Jesus in our world and in our relationships. We accomplish this not with the tools of Satan — getting even, taking revenge, lying, hurting, violence, abuse, selfishness and non-forgiving — rather, through goodness, love, compassion and forgiveness. Receive the Holy Spirit: Live the Holy Spirit within you and me.

So I reflect on:

• I think of my own “locked doors:” Jesus, I’m hiding behind the locked door of _____. Jesus, my family has built a strong wall, called _____.
• I invite Jesus to pass through my obstacles, to bring me peace and a mission. What do these look like?

Sacred Space 2023 states:

“Thomas is an ordinary person, knotted up in his own fears and doubts. Perhaps we all carry something of his DNA?  Here we are shown the transforming impact that his personal encounter with Jesus has on him. Pope Francis says, ‘I invite all Christians to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus, or at least an openness to letting Him encounter them. I ask all of you to do this unfailingly each day.’”