May 24 - The Feast of Pentecost: Holy Spirit teaches us, reminds us and lets us speak

 

First Reading  Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11
The Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles gathered in Jerusalem

Responsorial Psalm  Psalm 104:1,24,29-31,34
God's Spirit renews the earth.

Second Reading  1 Corinthians 12:3b-7,12-13
We are all one in Christ Jesus.

Gospel Reading
John 20:19-23  

Speaking to the Apostles at the Last Supper, Jesus said that after he left this world he would send them the gift of the Father, that is, the Holy Spirit (cf. Jn 15:26). This promise was powerfully fulfilled on the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, who were gathered in the Upper Room. This extraordinary outpouring was not limited solely to that moment, but was an event that was renewed and still continues to be renewed. Christ glorified at the right hand of the Father continues to fulfill his promise, sending upon the Church the life-giving Spirit, who teaches us, reminds us, and lets us speak. The Holy Spirit teaches us to follow Jesus and to walk in his footprints. He reminds us of all that Jesus said. He is the living memory of the Church, and when he reminds us, he helps us to understand the words of the Lord. He lets us speak with God in prayer and lets us speak to men through prophecy, making us humble and docile “channels” of God’s Word. Prophecy is made with candour, to openly demonstrate the contradictions and injustices, but always with compassion and constructive intent.