THE HOLY SPIRIT DESCENDS ON THE APOSTLES
Introduction: Today we celebrate the feast of Pentecost. Pentecost means 50th day. It is a feast celebrated on the 50th day after the Passover feast by the Jews and a feast on the 50th day after the resurrection of the Lord Jesus by the Christians all over the world. On the Pentecost day, the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles who were gathered in Jerusalem. After receiving the Holy Spirit, the frightened Apostles become fiery preachers and zealous evangelizers. Apostles preached in various languages unknown to them till that day. More than 3000 people believed in the Lord Jesus and received baptism. In fact, it is the birthday of the Church.
First Reading: Acts 2: 1 to 11
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12: 3 to 7 and 12 to 13
Gospel Reading: John 20: 19 to 23
*First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. A narration about the coming of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles on Pentecost day is given. The powerful presence of the Holy Spirit is manifested by the mighty wind, thunderous 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 cross, become bold and courageous. They openly preach in Jerusalem in various languages because many Jews from different parts of world had come to Jerusalem for the feast. The Holy Spirit thus overcomes barriers erected by humans: Barriers of language, nationality, race and beliefs. The Holy Spirit reaches out to all people on Pentecost day.
*Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul explains the various gifts of the Holy Spirit to believers. Different gifts are given to various people by the Holy Spirit 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.
Disciples are empowered by the Holy Spirit Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. A vivid account of how the risen Lord appears to the frightened and disheartened disciples is given. He assures them joy and peace as gifts. He 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. The risen Lord breaths on them and gives them the Holy Spirit who empowers them. Jesus gives them authority and power to proclaim the word of God. On Pentecost day, the Holy Spirit empowers them so that they are able to witness to the risen Lord fearlessly and powerfully. The feast of Pentecost invites us to become aware of the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, peace, joy and forgiveness and a sense of divine mission are showered on us. On the feast of Pentecost let us too pray with St. Augustine:
"Breath in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may be all holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work too may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me, O Holy Spirit, that I always be holy."
Conclusion: The feast of Pentecost gives us the following messages: 1. The Apostles experience the power of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. 2. The risen Lord is the source of this empowerment. 3. We are able to accomplish great and wonderful things and witness to the Lord fearlessly. 4. Through the presence of the Holy Spirit and by His gifts, we become effective bearers of the good news to all peoples, breaking man-made barriers of language, nationality, race and religious beliefs.
May the Holy Spirit who descended on the Apostles on Pentecost, bless you and grant you the gifts, that you too may become effective witness to the Word of God. Amen.
(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph, May 24, 2026. Thanks.)
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