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 end of chapter 15 of Acts of the Apostles shows how the early Church came to a united resolution that empowered the mission of the Gospel to the gentiles.
Chapter 15 of the Acts of the Apostles addresses the first major debate within the early Church, namely, does a person have to be Jewish to follow Jesus? Today we have the first part of this debate, which highlights the need to come together for an intense discussion.
The beginning of the St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians gratefully acknowledges the power of God’s grace to empower and unite us together, offering a beautiful reflection for our lives today.
The readings proclaim how God reaches out to all people, regardless of ethnicity, language or culture. As sons and daughters of the Heavenly Father, we have the opportunity today to unite together through our attitude and effort.
COVID-19 taught us about the challenges of isolation, loneliness, anxiety and fear; the recent riots have brought to light the undercurrents of anger, hatred and opportunism. Our path forward must consider the need for unity…something that lies at the heart of the Most Holy Trinity.
The contrast between the unity that Christ prays for and the uproar around St. Paul reveals our constant need to seek out ways to grow closer together through the love of God.
“The community of believers was of one heart and mind,” and their example – powered by their faith in the Risen Lord – inspires us to draw together as we face the challenges and obstacles in our lives today.
Three Great Things 