Sunday, May 31, 2020
This weekend, we celebrate Pentecost Sunday. In the scriptural readings at Mass for Pentecost Sunday, we see the amazing truth that the Holy Spirit gives us gifts and guidance in a very personal way. We are meant to use these God-given gifts to build up the mystical Body of Christ (the Church) in a way that is unique to each one of us.
Our first reading, from the Acts of the Apostles, recalls the dramatic moment when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the apostles. “Suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.”
Notice how personal and individual is this outpouring of the Spirit. This personalized way of “gifting” the apostles that allowed each of them to reach different people, sharing with them the “mighty acts of God.”
As modern day Disciples of Jesus Christ and as Catholics we are invited to ask the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us in the best use of the unique gifts He has given to each of us, to accomplish the particular purpose and mission that we are entrusted with.
Jesus gives us this mission and purpose in our Gospel passage from John. “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” But we must not let this responsibility overwhelm us. Jesus Himself tells us so — “Peace be with you.”
As our Easter season comes to a close, let us be at peace. And let us resolve to lean on the Holy Spirit more and more each day as our guide and inspiration as we live the Christian life that we have been endowed with.