Pentecost
Pentecost signals the end of the Easter season and the coming of the Holy Spirit. We think of the tongues of fire coming down on the head of the disciples. Our first thought might be that this is the first Pentecost. It is not.
Pentecost is one of the three feast days of the Jewish tradition. In Exodus it is listed that these three feast days are: Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. We just celebrated Christ’s Passover when we celebrated Easter. Pentecost is seven weeks and one day from the celebration of the Passover. It was celebrated in making offering to God praying for a good and generous harvest. Pentecost is also the celebration of God giving Moses the Ten Commandments.
All of this sets the foundation for the First Reading today from the Acts of the Apostles. The strong driving wind, the fire, all of this is reminiscent of God speaking to His people from Mount Sinai. This time, the disciples accept the Holy Spirit rather than fearing God. This Holy Spirit imparted to each disciple the grace they needed to work the mission God has assigned to each person. The Holy Spirit divided into parts is a sign that we all need to come together to do God’s mission. The Paschal mystery has come to its completion. The beginning of the Church begins today. From many voices comes one Church.
Just like the Jewish tradition of celebrating the first fruits of the harvest, Jesus is the first fruits of the Resurrection for us. The celebration is wedding feast of Christ with His Church. Last week Jesus ascended to the right side of the throne of God. He is our High Priest. He offers sacrifice for us in the heavenly temple. Now through this perpetual sacrifice we are made one with Him. Jesus has given us the commandment to love one another as He loves us. Though many voices we are made one with Him. We can now extend mercy to others. We can grant forgiveness for sins. With the power of the Holy Spirit, we granted the graces to go out and proclaim the gospel message to all nations. No one person can do this alone, rather as the Body of Christ we all need to work together to make this happen. We are one in the Spirit.
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen