The Comforter has come

Acts 2: 1-11, 1 Cor. 12:3-7.12-12, Jn 20:19-23. With the Solemnity of the Pentecost, we have come to the definitive end of Easter Season, which from its name marks the fiftieth day after the occasion of the Passover in the original Jewish tradition as “Feast of the Harvest” (Ex. 23:16). On this day, we recall that moment when the Holy Spirit descended and equipped His Church with the power of His Spirit and sent us out into the world to bring peace, unity, joy, forgiveness, love and eternal life to all humankind. Today's first reading presents us with how Pentecost, or the “fiftieth day” which was first associated with the Jewish “Feast of the Harvest”, became connected with the Holy Spirit. On the day of Pentecost, the Apostles met in the upper room, when suddenly, they heard what sounded like a powerful wind from the Heavens and something appeared to them that seemed like tongues of fire and they were filled with the Holy Spirit.

Like the early disciples, every true believer has been empowered specially by the Holy Spirit. We have been refilled with a new unction to function and therefore, must like them also, welcome and appreciate the various gifts made available to us by the out pouring of the Holy Spirit. In the second reading, Paul makes a very important statement: “No one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ unless he is under the influence of the Holy Spirit.” What this means is that it is God that enables us through the gifts we received today to recognise the lordship of Christ: “No one comes to me except the Father draws him” (Jn 6:44). Today's Gospel presents us with the synergy of the Trinitarian God in action, each doing and completing His action. They operated as though they were involved in a relay race where each hands over the baton to the other. However, in spite of this hand over, none of them becomes passive.

Through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, may the Lord help us to speak the same language of love and bring us positive transformation! Amen!! Stay safe and save life, Jesus loves you, happy Pentecost Sunday!!!