For the last fifty days, we have celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he promised to send to the apostles the Advocate, the Spirit of truth, the helper that would guide them in their mission. Today, Pentecost, we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit onto the apostles. Pentecost celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit poured out on Jesus’ apostles.The vivid story in the Acts of the Apostles, in which the Holy Spirit comes as a mighty wind and is seen as tongues of flame, is told each year. This year’s Gospel is a repeat of what we heard on the second Sunday of Easter, the extended version of which included the story of Thomas. But today we only hear of the risen Lord’s appearance on Easter night. He breathes on his disciples and he strengthens them with the gift of the Holy Spirit.
It is the Holy Spirit that we received at our baptism and our confirmation. It is the Holy Spirit that will give us the words we need to use to proclaim Jesus is the Lord and the prayers we need to pray when we find that we do not know how to pray. Thank the Holy Spirit today!
