Happy Birthday! This weekend our Church throughout the world celebrates our common birthday, the day the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles and gave them the courage and zeal to proclaim the Good News of the Death-Resurrection of Jesus Christ to all the nations. This great Feast of Pentecost completes the Easter mystery; the Holy Spirit, the gift of the Risen Jesus - is now passed on to all believers and we in turn are to share that same gift with our waiting world.
The first Pentecost of the Christian Scriptures – Acts 2 – builds on the original Jewish feast of Pentecost, the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai and the story of the tower of Babel in Genesis 11; wind and fire bring about a conversion in the hearts of once timid disciples. Suddenly, all people hear the same message in their own language. Divisions and mistakes of the past are overcome by the breath of a new creation.
As we celebrate this great Feast of Pentecost, let us renew our gratitude to God for the gifts of life and faith, the blessing of family and friends and the opportunity to share in and through the Church. The Holy Spirit is alive and well; it is up to us to be more open and humble receivers of the gifts of the Spirit in our own hearts; to the extent that we believe, trust and follow the lead of the Spirit, we will help to bring the Good News to the next generation.
Together, let us pray, with hope and confidence:
"Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love!"
"Come Holy Spirit and renew the face of the earth!"
Related Links:
