The feast of Pentecost brings the season of Easter to a stunning conclusion with several Scripture options, depending on the Mass you attend and the choice of the presider. Let’s take a look:
Vigil Mass
Genesis 11:1-9 – The tower of Babel
Exodus 19:3-8,16-20 – Moses leads the people to meet God at the foot of Mount Sinai
Ezekiel 37:1-14 – God brings the Spirit and restores the dried bones to life
Joel 3:1-5 – God will pour the Spirit upon the people
Psalm 104 – “Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.”
Romans 8:22-27 – The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness
John 7:37-39 – Jesus speaks of the Spirit as a living water that flows from within
Mass during the Day
Acts 2:1-11 – The Holy Spirit descends upon the disciples and they speak many different languages
Psalm 104 – “Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.”
1 Corinthians 12:3-7,12-13 – The Spirit gives many different gifts and unites the many parts of the body
Galatians 5:16-25 – Live and be guided by the Spirit and the fruit of the Spirit
John 20:19-23 – Jesus breathes on the disciples, offering them peace and the Holy Spirit
John 15:26-27; 16:12-15 – Jesus speaks of the Spirit of truth, the Advocate
These readings are all powerful reminders that the Holy Spirit is among us! May we call upon the Spirit each and every day for the strength and wisdom we need as we strive to offer our lives for the Lord.
Come Holy Spirit! Fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created. And you will renew the face of the earth. O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations. Through Christ our Lord. Amen!
The Ascension of the Lord reveals how God works in our lives during times of transition and change. May our trust in Christ help us to respond to divine grace, especially in those awkward and uncomfortable moments that are part of daily life.
The example of Apollos shows that a disciple can be passionate about sharing the faith AND open to learning from those who have more education and experience. It’s a good reminder for us as we grow in grace and follow Jesus Christ.
As Matthias takes the place vacated by Judas among the Apostles, the early Church demonstrates its ability to adapt and grow through prayer and thoughtful reflection.
After the challenges in Philippi and Athens, Paul’s preaching has a powerful effect on many people in Corinth. His faithful adherence to the Gospel reminds us that we never know how the Lord will work through our lives to touch the hearts of those we meet.
Paul preaches a carefully crafted, well thought out, passionate message to the people of Athens…and they scoffed and walked away. Paul’s response to this outcome is instructive; he faithfully continues to the next city, telling people about Jesus.
Stripped and beaten, Paul and Silas are thrown into prison in Philippi. During an earthquake their proclamation of the Gospel changes hearts and lives.
Paul encounters Lydia, who hears the Gospel and is baptized with her whole household. Her example inspires us to open our hearts as we follow Jesus Christ.
The Lord’s command to love one another requires us to open our hearts to His love first. Simply put, the closer we are to Christ the easier it is for us to share His love with the people in our lives.
Three Great Things 