The Solemnity of Pentecost marks the end of the Easter Season, paving the way for the Ordinary Time in the Liturgical Calendar of the Church.
There are two reasons why the celebration of the Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles remains significant today. First, it is a fulfillment of the promise of Jesus that an Advocate shall be sent to the apostles and eventually to us. Second, in Pentecost, we receive the courage that the Holy Spirit gives us once we are open and generous enough to receive it in our life.
A quick look at the apostles gives us an idea of how we act or respond to situations sometimes. Remember what happened? One betrayed Jesus, another denied Him a number of times. Fearing for their lives, they all fled from Jesus during His passion; even after Jesus Himself told them that He would rise again on the third day, they were all hiding in the upper room after His death.
But upon the descent of the Holy Spirit onto them, these fearful apostles were gradually transformed. If before they were cowed by the religious authorities, with the Holy Spirit, they became confident in the mission given to them by Jesus. They felt joy amidst their sufferings, in fulfillment of what Jesus said regarding the difficulties His apostles would have to endure. The final indication of their courage was evident in the kind of death they suffered. Except for John, the apostles died a martyr’s death. And because of this, they have been amply rewarded as they are now citizens of heaven, and hence serve as our intercessors to the Lord who is both Risen and Ascended.
If Jesus is the face of God journeying with us, the Holy Spirit is the presence of God inside of us, within our hearts. He is so intimate, so close, that He unites Himself with us, making us His dwelling place, His temple. We may not see the Father who reigns eternally in heaven; we may not see the historical Jesus again walking this earth – we have to wait until we reach heaven one day – but God is still with us – powerfully, truly, beautifully present – through the Holy Spirit in our hearts.
It is the same Holy Spirit who calls us to be a missionary Church, a Church able to speak the languages of the world in order to preach the saving word of God to all peoples. It is the same Holy Spirit who dwells in us, helping us to pray, sustaining us in our labors, encouraging us to forgive and calling us to love. It is the same Holy Spirit who has empowered Pope Francis to challenge us, “The Church must step outside herself. To go where? To the outskirts of existence, wherever that may be.” It is the same Holy Spirit who journeys with us during this pandemic – allowing us to be strong and to overcome doubt and anxieties, enabling us to be an instrument of strength and peace to others; and empowering us to be prepared to face whatever trial or challenge may come out way, especially as a community of faith here at Saint Raymond’s.
Today is said to be the birthday of the Church. We are church, and today is our birth in the Holy Spirit. And once again, we realize that the Lord will never be outdone in generosity: He has the most amazing, beautiful gift to us today: the promise that Easter continues – His gift of peace will reign – here in our hearts and there in your homes, the domestic Church. And so in faith, let us open our hearts to the Holy Spirit and receive His courage and His joy. For the last time this year, let us greet each other: HAPPY EASTER!
The Lord is truly risen. Alleluia, alleluia! He is risen, indeed. Alleluia, alleluia!
Sempre grato,
Father Erick
For Pentecost Sunday, 2022