Pentecost
We find the word Pentecost in the Old Testament. It is a Jewish feast day too. It was celebrated fifty days after the planting of seeds. These were the first fruits offered to God. The seeds were planted, and the fruits harvested.
We can think of Pentecost in this way. Jesus, the first seed planted, sends the Holy Spirit as the first fruit of love. The Holy Spirit comes with many gifts for all peoples. Instead of filling barns with grain our hearts are filled with the fire of God’s love. Through the waters of baptism, we are recreated. The Word of God goes out to all nations to renew the face of the earth.
The greatest gift this day is divine mercy. If we think in human terms, we expect Jesus sudden appearance to the disciples to be one of revenge for what they did to Him. Instead, He says one word “Shalom” meaning peace. The fear of the disciples melts away. Jesus shows them the nail wounds as they need the reminder of what they did to Him. Now they can begin to see these wounds as emblems of divine love. Peace be with you.
Jesus breathes on them. Just as God put the breath of life into Adam’s nostrils the disciples receive the breath of the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any they are retained.
Just as Jesus granted divine mercy to His disciples, they now must be ready to grant divine mercy to others. Through apostolic tradition this granting of divine mercy continues even to today in the sacrament of confession. Go in peace, your sins are forgiven.
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen