Friends, today is Pentecost Sunday. The celebration of our birthdays is always a moment of great joy and feast. We have a great reason to be happy, celebrate, and exchange good wishes because today is the birthday of the Holy Mother Church. Easter is the feast of the light, of the new life that begins with Christ’s resurrection. Pentecost is the celebration of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It marks the beginning of the new covenant and the birth of the public life of the church. Pentecost is a time to reflect on the Holy Spirit’s vital role in the birth of the Church and our lives today. The readings of today explore the themes of unity in diversity, the empowering presence of the Spirit, and the Spirit’s continual guidance. By understanding these themes, we can appreciate how the Holy Spirit unites us, inspires us, and helps us live out our faith. Holy Spirit, guide us and fill our hearts with your presence. Help us to see beyond our differences and unite us in Christ. May we use our gifts to serve others and spread God’s love.
Friends, our first reading of today relates the events of the coming of the Holy Spirit as a great manifestation of God’s power. The speaking in different tongues understood by all the Jews that came to Jerusalem to celebrate the feast of Pentecost was a miracle. It was a clear manifestation of the mission of the universal church. It is a call for the church to be a sign of human unity. This is irrespective of race, color, or language. The apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, spoke to the crowd, and everyone understood them. This is unity in diversity. The Holy Spirit broke down barriers and brought people together, showing that the love of God transcends all human divisions. It reminds us that we are all part of one family in Christ.
Friends, this event teaches us the importance of inclusiveness in our faith. The Holy Spirit calls us to reach out to others, embrace different cultures, and share the message of Jesus with everyone. We are encouraged to see beyond our differences and to focus on what unites us as children of God. The solemnity of today encourages us to celebrate our diversity and to seek unity in the Holy Spirit. By doing so, we can build stronger communities and a more loving Church. Let us open our hearts to the Holy Spirit, allowing it to guide us in breaking down barriers and fostering unity among all people.
Friends, in the second reading, Paul reminds us that, through our “Pentecostal experience” today, an indelible mark has been placed upon us. Hence, God has specially configured us for his mission. This means that it is the Holy Spirit that gives life and directs our mission. Therefore, through today’s outpouring of the Holy Spirit, we are genuinely and fully marked as God’s children. Though adopted, we are full heirs to God’s throne and heritage.
Friends, today’s gospel reminds us of the principal roles of the Holy Spirit. These 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 counsel. He can only remind us of the things we ought to know if we humbly and willing say to him all the time; “Help me because I am ignorant. Enlighten the eyes of my mind, O Holy Spirit.”
What then will the Holy Spirit that we have received today help us to accomplish? First, the Holy Spirit we have received today is not a spirit of fear and timidity. Instead, it is the Spirit that empowers us and makes us children of God. This means that we are now bold enough to call God Abba Father. God gives us the Holy Spirit that we might bear good fruits that will last (Gal 5:22) and to help and also empower others. It was also given to us to lead us into the kingdom of righteousness, and peace and bring us to the fullness of life. So, as we rejoice at this beautiful gesture that God has extended to us today, let us ask Him for the grace to be docile to the Holy Spirit we have received. Brothers and sisters, Happy Birthday, the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. Happy birthday to all the Faithful of God all over the world. May the Holy Spirit continue to lead us all; “To the ends of the earth.” Long live Our Holy Mother Church. The Lord be with you …. May the Almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Have a fruitful Pentecost Sunday and a fruitful new week to you.
