ACTS 2:1-11

When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem. At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. They were astounded, and in amazement they asked, "Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans? Then how does each of us hear them in his native language? We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome, both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God."

1 CORINTHIANS 12:3B-7, 12-13

Brothers and sisters: No one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit. There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.

JOHN 20:19-23

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained."

What is the relevance of the Feast of Pentecost? This special day commemorates the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise that he will send the Paraclete, the Spirit of Truth. The Holy Spirit shall give witness to all the things Jesus shared with his apostles. The Holy Spirit shall remind us that we shall never feel orphaned because Jesus is with us. And when the Spirit of Jesus dwells in us, there would surely be transformation. We cannot be the same person as long as we allow the Spirit who dwells in each one of us to work in us.

Just like the apostles, their transformation was amazing when they received the Holy Spirit. From being fearful, they became fearless. Their sadness was changed to joy; their hopelessness was transformed into hope; their confused minds and wounded hearts because of their infidelity to Jesus during his passion and death were given light and peace. They then mustered enough courage to proclaim the Risen Lord despite the persecution and difficulties in the religious leaders. And in the Gospel reading today, they are given the power to forgive sins.

It is very difficult to explain the Holy Spirit. With the Blessed Trinity, we have some understanding of the meaning of Father and Son. But to explain the Holy Spirit is another thing. And if we are lazy, we can readily reason out that it is a mystery after all and so, let it remain one. This is absurd and irresponsible on our par t considering that we were given the capacities to think and understand. We may not totally and fully understand the mystery in its entirety yet we would still be able to understand something about it. And this is something that we should continue to strive for. Otherwise, such a lazy attitude in life would prevent us from further growth in knowledge and to feel wonder and awe about the other mysteries in life.

And so, in Sacred Scriptures, the Holy Spirit is explained through images like the wind, dove, and tongues of fire. The Spirit may come to us in various ways whether in a calm and peaceful manner or like in the reading today, like a strong, driving wind.

What then is the relevance of the Holy Spirit in our lives today? Probably it is this: That the Holy Spirit is the one who strengthens us regarding our various convictions in life.

It is difficult to articulate and be firm with one’s conviction especially when one’s principles in life and life itself are at stake. Yet this is the ultimate test on how true we are regarding the mission that has been entrusted to us. One of the challenges today is the value of life. Part of our mission as Catholics is to proclaim the value and sanctity of life. However, we see in today a seemingly inconsistent ethics in life. The most famous issue that has divided us Catholics is the death penalty. The problem with some of us is that we may not be in favor with the death penalty but some accept abortion. Are not both concerned with life?

“As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” To be faithful to the truth and to have a consistent ethics regarding the sanctity of life is a mission which is entrusted to anyone who professes to be Catholic. Moreover, to be inspired and fired up in order to do many great things becomes possible because of the Holy Spirit. These are difficult to live out, yet it is what is expected from us who have received the Holy Spirit.

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Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most.

Have a good day!

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