Monday, May 12, 2008

Feast of Pentecost (A)

Acts 2:1-11; 1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13; Jn 20:19-23

The feast of Pentecost is the birth anniversary of the Catholic Church. The Acts of the Apostles narrates how the founding of the Church came about (2:1-13). Fifty days after the Resurrection, the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples who were at that time meeting secretly with locked doors for fear of the Jews. They were praying with Mary, the mother of Jesus in an upper room. The Holy Spirit appeared like tongues of fire which parted and came to rest upon each of them. All of a sudden, the disciples were enabled to speak in different languages and they began to preach courageously the Risen Christ to all kinds of people. From then on, the Holy Spirit has not ceased to move the Church or the community of disciples along the roads of the world preaching, in words and deeds, the love of God for humanity.

Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit is the breath of God that gives life. When God created man, He breathed on his nostrils and he became a living being (Gen 2:7). When God established the Church, He also sent His divine breath and the Christian community suddenly became alive.

The Holy Spirit is not only life-giver; He also is the source of strength and inspiration. Before the Risen Christ ascended into heaven, He warned the apostles not to leave Jerusalem before the coming of the promised Spirit (Acts 1:4-5). They would only start to bring the good news to all corners of the world after they receive the Holy Spirit who will provide them the force and motivation to do God’s work.

In today’s gospel, Jesus entrusted to the apostles the great mission of extending forgiveness to all people. Yet, before giving them the task, He breathed on them the Holy Spirit because without the Spirit, it would not be possible for the disciples to fulfill their mission.

As we celebrate Pentecost, we need to reflect on how deeply we appreciate the presence of the Spirit in our lives and in our Christian communities. It is rightly observed that the Holy Spirit is the most underused source of power in the Church. Indeed, there are not many of us who call the assistance of the Spirit of God. A pastor even jokingly said that most Christians worship God the Father, Christ the Son, and Scripture the holy book. There is more than a grain of truth in this joke.

When we are about to do something – an apostolate for the poor or a seminar for young people – where do we usually go for guidance? If we truly believe that the Holy Spirit is the life-giving force, then it would be wise to ask for the Spirit’s help before approaching anyone else. We have to pray: “Holy Spirit bless this missionary endeavor of ours and make it work for the good of all!”

Before starting a project or a business, where do we usually seek for help? If we are convinced that the Holy Spirit is the main animator, then we need to approach the Spirit first before we seek the assistance of lawyers, engineers, architects, or bank managers. We need to pray: “Holy Spirit, please allow this project to thrive!” Or, “Holy Spirit, come and let this business flourish!”

When we have problems and trials, where do we seek consolation? Some of us would resort to alcohol or drugs; while others would look for solace in material things or in sex. Pentecost reminds us that God has given us the Holy Spirit to be our helper, comforter and advocate. When we are suffering, we are supposed to ask the Spirit for strength. When we are confused, we are supposed to ask the Spirit for guidance. When we are down and troubled, we are supposed to ask the Spirit for encouragement and enlightenment.

Have you ever wondered why fire is used to symbolize the Holy Spirit? Frank Mihalic explains:

Fire can do many different kinds of things. Fire can make something strong; that is why we char a canoe and fire clay pots. Fire can make something soft. Put a piece of iron into the fire and it turns red and then you can bend it. Heat a piece of wood and you can bend it too. Fire gives us light – as a candle, or kerosene lamp or electric bulb. Fire takes away pain: if you have a sprained ankle or a swollen hand, put it close to the fire. Heat helps the pain to go away.

(From 1000 Stories You Can Use, vol. 2)

During Pentecost, Mary, the mother of Jesus, was present among the disciples in the cenacle and prayed. Today, let us entrust ourselves to her maternal intercession so that the Holy Spirit descends abundantly upon the Church, fills the hearts of the faithful and enkindles in them the fire of God’s love.

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