Pentecost: The Comforter has come

Acts 2:1-11, Rom.8:8-17, Jn 14:15-16.23-26. Today we celebrate the great Pentecost Sunday, marking the end of the fifty glorious days of Easter. On this day, we mark the time when the Holy Spirit came down on the Apostles just as He promised, giving them the courage and strength to be witnesses to their faith in God. Today's first reading relates the events of the coming of the Holy Spirit as a great manifestation of the power of God. The speaking in different tongues was a clear manifestation of the mission of the universal Church. It is a call for the Church to be a sign of unity, irrespective of ethnicity, race, colour or language. In the second reading, Paul puts this sign of unity in the perspective of the “Pentecost experience." This means that it is the Holy Spirit that gives life and directs our mission.

Therefore, through the out-pouring of the Holy Spirit, we are truly and fully marked as the children of God. Thus, today's Gospel reminds us of the principal roles of the Holy Spirit, which include: advocating, teaching and reminding us of the things we ought to know. However, for this to be possible, we must be ready to cooperate with Him. He can only advocate for us if we trust Him and allow Him to be in charge of our case. He can only teach us if we pay attention to His counsels. He can remind us of the things we ought to know, if we humbly, and willing say to Him all the time: “Help me Lord, for I am ignorant. Enlighten the eyes of my mind, O Holy Spirit.” The Holy Spirit we receive will help us overcome the spirit of fear and timidity. The Holy Spirit will empower and makes us children of God so that we can now boldly call God, Abba Father. We have the Holy Spirit so that we might bear good fruits that will last (Gal. 5:22).

Come, Holy Spirit, inflame us with Your love and strength, help us go forth and continue to proclaim the joy of Easter! Amen!! Good morning and Happy Pentecost Sunday!!!