Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 7:31-34
Mass: Acts 2:1-11; Resp Ps 104; 1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13; Sequence Veni, Sancte Spiritus, Jn 20:19-23
MARY, HOLY MOTHER OF GOD,
PRAY FOR US.
Imagine yourself among those who "were all in one place together" (Acts 2:1) as related in today's account from the Acts of the Apostles. When "suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which [you all] were." Then, "there appeared to [all of you] tongues as of fire which parted and came to rest on each one of [you]." And it's not over yet. You "were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled [you] to proclaim" (Acts 2:2-4). How would you respond? I'm not quite sure what I would do.
This is what Pope Francis said in a video message played at the Pentecost service of "Thy Kingdom Come", an annual global ecumenical movement promoted by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby: "This is Pentecost when we celebrate the day on which the Spirit of God came down with power. Since that day, God dwells among us, bringing us new and previously unknown hope, peace, and joy. At Pentecost God 'infected' the world with life. How different this is from the contagion of death that has ravaged the earth for months now! Today, more than ever, it is necessary to implore the Holy Spirit to pour forth into our hearts the life of God who is love. Indeed, if there is to be a better future our hearts must change for the better."
Infected with the life of God, then, let's get busy and respond in this way. Jesus has breathed on us and said, Receive the Holy Spirit (Jn 20:22). With open hearts and minds, may we receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord; so as to bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, and chastity. And let us not forget: Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained (Jn 20:23).
PEACE BE WITH YOU.
PEACE BE WITH YOU. AS THE FATHER HAS SENT ME, SO I SEND YOU.
(Jn 20:19, 21)
Today's photo: Oriental poppy in brilliant Pentecost red. Thank you J.
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