In the tradition of the early Church, today marks the birth of the Christian Church - the coming of the Holy Spirit. The name of the feast, Pentecost, which is a Jewish celebration 50 days after the Passover became an event that was characterized by a promise that was fulfilled. Jesus indicated many times during His public ministry that upon His return to the Father, the Holy Spirit will be sent to empower the disciples in their mission.
Today, as we commemorate the beginning of the pilgrim Church, we reflect on two important elements of the feast of Pentecost: unity and reconciliation.
The Holy Spirit came when the apostles were gathered together. They were united in prayers as they contemplated the events surrounding the death and resurrection of their Master, our Lord Jesus Christ. Perhaps, as tradition tells us, they were being consoled by Our Lady reassuring them that her Son would fulfill His promise. Then appears the "fire of tongues," as a symbol of God's presence in their midst. God is present when unity abounds.
But this feast doesn't come without a mission for the Church, for each of us. The mission of reconciliation is the message of the coming of the Holy Spirit. As Jesus commissioned the apostles to "go and preach" the gospel to all nations, it comes with the mission of reconciling all people in the name of Jesus. He imparted them the gift of peace, which in turn, must be given to others as gift as well.
Unity brings forth reconciliation, and reconciliation bears the fruit of peace.
Let us ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten us when darkness seems to overshadow our heart, to enliven us when doubts seem to weaken our faith, and to embolden us when fear seems to overpower our love for God. We pray with our Blessed Mother, Our Lady of Pentecost, to teach us humility, so that we can truly be worthy vessels of the Holy Spirit, in order to accomplish our mission of reconciling ourselves to God, to ourselves, and to others. Amen.
Today, as we commemorate the beginning of the pilgrim Church, we reflect on two important elements of the feast of Pentecost: unity and reconciliation.
The Holy Spirit came when the apostles were gathered together. They were united in prayers as they contemplated the events surrounding the death and resurrection of their Master, our Lord Jesus Christ. Perhaps, as tradition tells us, they were being consoled by Our Lady reassuring them that her Son would fulfill His promise. Then appears the "fire of tongues," as a symbol of God's presence in their midst. God is present when unity abounds.
But this feast doesn't come without a mission for the Church, for each of us. The mission of reconciliation is the message of the coming of the Holy Spirit. As Jesus commissioned the apostles to "go and preach" the gospel to all nations, it comes with the mission of reconciling all people in the name of Jesus. He imparted them the gift of peace, which in turn, must be given to others as gift as well.
Unity brings forth reconciliation, and reconciliation bears the fruit of peace.
Let us ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten us when darkness seems to overshadow our heart, to enliven us when doubts seem to weaken our faith, and to embolden us when fear seems to overpower our love for God. We pray with our Blessed Mother, Our Lady of Pentecost, to teach us humility, so that we can truly be worthy vessels of the Holy Spirit, in order to accomplish our mission of reconciling ourselves to God, to ourselves, and to others. Amen.
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