The Feast of Pentecost : A: May 28, 2023

 THE DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ON THE APOSTLES

First Reading: Acts 2: 1-11

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:3-7 and 12-13

Gospel Reading: John 20: 19-23

   *First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. A description about the coming of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles on the day of Pentecost is given. The immense power of the Holy Spirit is manifested by the mighty wind, powerful sound and tongues as of fire. As a result of the descending of the Holy Spirit, the Apostles who were timid and frightened after the death of Jesus on the cross, become bold and courageous. Moreover, they preach openly in various languages. The Holy Spirit is able to overcome barriers erected by humans - barriers of language, barriers of nationality, race and creed- and the Spirit reaches out to everyone on that Pentecost day. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul explains the various gifts of the Holy Spirit to the Christian community at Corinth and to us. Different gifts are given to different people for the service of the community. Paul reminds us that all of us are members of the one body of Christ and we are baptized in the same Spirit. 

Empowering of the disciples                                         Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. A vivid account of how the risen Lord appears to the disciples who are frightened and disheartened by the death of Jesus is narrated. He gives them joy and peace as gifts and encourages them and strengthens their weak faith by appearing to them in His risen and glorified form. He instructs them about their mission and sends them to all corners of the world. His mission and that of the disciples is to do the will of the heavenly Father. The risen Lord breaths on them and gives them the Holy Spirit who empowers them. Further, Jesus gives them authority and power to proclaim the Word of God. With the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost day, the power from above is given to them so that they are able to witness to the risen Lord powerfully. Hence, the feast of Pentecost invites us to become aware of the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It tells us to live a life filled with the fruits of the Holy Spirit : Love, peace, joy, forgiveness and a sense of divine mission. The feast of Pentecost gives us the following messages: 1. The Apostles  experienced the power of Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. 2. The risen Lord is the source of their empowerment through the Holy Spirit. 3. We are able to do great things and witness to the Lord fearlessly when we are empowered by the Holy Spirit. 4. Through the presence of the Holy Spirit and by His gifts we become effective bearers of the good news to all peoples, breaking all man-made barriers of language, nationality, race and religious beliefs.