Pentecost (A)

Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them.

Acts 2:1-11

The Feast of Pentecost

Pentecost was first a Jewish feast. Only later did it also become a Christian feast.

The Jews celebrated Pentecost 50 days after celebrating Passover. On this feast, they remember the giving of the Law at Mt Sinai and becoming the People of God.

By coincidence the sending of the Holy Spirit took place when the Jews were celebrating Pentecost. Hence, we also celebrate Pentecost. But what we remember are not the events at Mt. Sinai but the coming of the Holy Spirit.

But there is one point of similarity with the Jewish feast of Pentecost. On Pentecost with the coming of the Holy Spirit, we became the New People of God just as the Jews remember their becoming God’s People on Mt. Sinai.

One more thing. The Acts of the Apostles and the Gospel of John have two different dates for the coming of the Holy Spirit. As was said earlier, the Acts of the Apostles date the coming of the Holy Spirit during the Jewish feast of Pentecost. In John’s Gospel, Jesus gives the Holy Spirit to his apostles on the evening of Easter Sunday, which is the day when Jesus rose from the dead.

Manifestation of the Holy Spirit.

In the Acts of the Apostles, during the time when he appeared to his disciples after his resurrection Jesus told his disciples that they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them. When the Holy Spirit descended upon them, the first manifestation was a strong wind and then fire. These are manifestations of power.

What does power mean? It means the ability to do something. In the case of the disciples, it was the power or ability to carry out the mission entrusted to them by Jesus before he ascended into heaven: “Go, therefore, make disciples of all nations.” That was why they were given the gift of speaking in different languages. With that gift they will be able to make themselves understood by all nations.

In St. John’s account we read: “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." Here the Holy Spirit is given through a breath. Breath gives us the idea of gentleness and meekness. Perhaps Jesus wants to tell us that through confession we would experience the gentleness of God.

If we were divide the history of salvation using the Bible, we can say that in the Old Testament time the leading figure is God, the Father; in the time described in the Gospels the leading figure is God, the Son; and the time after the ascension of Jesus till the end of the world, the leading figure is the Holy Spirit.

Where do we see the Holy Spirit at work?

We see him at work in the sacraments. He makes the sacraments effective. In Baptism we are baptized with water and the Holy Spirit. Confirmation is our personal Pentecost. During the consecration at Mass, the priest lays his hands over the bread and wine. He calls the Holy Spirit so that they may become the body and blood of Jesus Christ.

We see the Holy Spirit at work in the religious congregations of men and women. If there are the Salesians of Don Bosco and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, it is because the Holy Spirit has inspired and guided St. John Bosco to found these two religious congregations.

We see the Holy Spirit at work in religious groups or covenant communities founded by lay people. Marriage Encounter and Couples for Christ are examples.

Speaking of the Holy Spirit, Jesus said to his disciples, “The Advocate, the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name--he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” The Holy Spirit helps the Church through its shepherds to find answers to moral and doctrinal questions that come because of new situations. For example, the church speaks clearly against capital punishment and war.

But the Holy Spirit is also at work in us, as individuals.

What is God’s will for me? Does he want me to change jobs? Does he want me to marry this person? I should ask the Holy Spirit to help me discern God’s will.

I want to stop smoking but I can’t. The Holy Spirit is the power that can help us overcome our addictions.

I am angry and hurt because my son has made his girlfriend pregnant. The Holy Spirit is comforter. He comforts us in our afflictions.

I want to pray but I don’t know what to say or I don’t know what to do. I can ask the Holy Spirit to help me lift up my mind and heart to God. St. Paul in his letter to the Romans writes: "The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words.” Sometimes the Holy Spirit leads us to pray not with our lips (that is, not with words) but with our hearts.

Conclusion

Jesus said: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always.” We celebrate the solemnity of Pentecost as a reminder that Jesus, as always, has fulfilled his promise. We are not alone. The Holy Spirit is with us.