Pentecost Sunday – May 24, 2015
Lectionary: 6 (NAB Translation)
This is the great celebration of Pentecost, the joyful end to the season of Easter.
Reading 1
ACTS 2:1-11
This week’s first reading is the central story of the Pentecost event in the book of Acts. We hear how the Holy Spirit was poured out and manifested in the early Church community. In their uncertainty after Jesus’ Ascension into Heaven last week, the Apostles were scared that were left abandoned. Over the last 9 days, they gathered with Mary and prayed. On the 50th day after the Resurrection, the Holy Spirit came as promised. The name Pentecost, is rooted in the 50 days.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34
- (cf. 30) Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.
Reading 2
1 Corinthians 12:3B-7, 12-13
This week’s second readings from St Paul’s letter to the Corinthians connects the mission of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is the one that unites us as a Church, and more importantly, makes us one with the Lord.
This is a glorious day for the Church, and it’s often referred to as the birthday of the Church. This is because the Holy Spirit comes to send us on our mission. We were created to go forth and spread the Gospel empowered by the Spirit that lives in us now.
Sequence — Veni, Sancte Spiritus
Gospel
John 15:26-27; 16:12-15
The Gospel for Pentecost Sunday has two options, one is about Jesus gives them the Spirit first to the Apostles for the power to forgive sins. The second focuses on the teaching of Jesus about the role of the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, in their mission. Jesus speaks very clearly and explains how their mission will be inseparable from the Holy Spirit.
This connects with the second reading and confirms that the Lordship of Jesus cannot be proclaimed without the Spirit.
We don’t have to worry about our worthiness or ability, the Holy Spirit speaks through us and give us gifts and charisms to fulfill the mission assigned to us by God.
Gospel Meditation
Reflection question from Bishop Vásquez
- At Pentecost, Jesus gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit to be our Advocate and guide. How often to you pray to the Holy Spirit? Remember to include the Spirit in your daily prayers.
