The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, June 4, 2006
Pentecost Sunday (a Solemnity)

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 2:1-11
Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34
1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13
John 20:19-23

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

For two thousand years, the Holy Spirit has entered in fullness into men, women, and children through priestly and diaconal ordination, solemn and simple vows to religious life, and the conferring of the sacrament of Confirmation on those baptized into Christ.

Today we live again the experience of that first Pentecost when the Upper Room in Jerusalem shook with hurricane force as the wind of God’s Spirit and the fire of His love descended on twelve apostles, changing them forever. As thousands more were baptized that day, the Church was born in the presence of Christ’s own mother and countless of other witnesses. Today, through the Eucharist we celebrate, the Holy Spirit comes again to give a “booster shot” to countless modern-day Christians who have been born of water and the Holy Spirit.

Again, we are consecrated in the Truth that God is love and lives in us as in a fleshly Temple, that in the renewal of our lifetime commitment, our faith is rekindled that our light will more effectively destroy the indifference and violence that threaten to engulf the world.

Only a groundless fear can prevent the Holy Spirit from empowering us, for He is our “Advocate,” our silent supporter, who will help us to boldly proclaim the Gospel to a people living in fear and confusion.

Today, the Church is reborn in the power of the Spirit’s gifts. He comes to make us free through the daily practice of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Through the fruits of the Holy Spirit, those hungry for love will see the face of Christ.

- Msgr. Paul Whitmore
(smartins at frontiernet dot net)