LECTIONARY READINGS
First reading: Acts 2:1-11
Responsorial psalm: Ps 103(104):1, 24, 29-31, 34
Second reading: Romans 8:8-17
Gospel: John 14:15-16, 23-26
Link to readings
With the Feast of Pentecost, we come to the end of Eastertide. We pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit, so that together we can be Church, truly living out Christ’s message of love.
The First Reading gives us an account of the first Pentecost day. The Apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, speak to the people who have come from different countries to celebrate the Feast of Weeks, 50 days after the Jewish Passover. Today they are understood in their own language.
The Psalm is a lyrical song of praise to the God who fills all creation with his life. St Paul (Second Reading) reminds us that the Holy Spirit dwells in us and gives us life. We have received the Spirit of adoption and so we can call on Abba, Father! Our Gospel, taken from Jesus’s words to the disciples at the Last Supper, is his promise to ask the Father to send us another Helper. With the Father and the Son, the Spirit will remind us of all that Jesus has said.
As Pilgrims of Hope this Pentecost, may we may ponder the gift of the Spirit that fills all people and things, and give thanks for the beauty of creation. We remember in prayer all those who cannot enjoy a livelihood because of the damage we have caused to our common home.
FIRST READING
Acts 2: 1–11
When Pentecost day arrived, the Apostles were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout people from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in their own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in our own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judaea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs – we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.’
REFLECTION
I prepare to pray. Perhaps I light a candle or have some symbol of the Holy Spirit to help me in my prayer. When I’m ready, I take the time to read the text slowly, a couple of times.
This is a narrative that I can perhaps imagine, entering into the scene myself. I see the Apostles, crowded in one room, still fearful of the crowds despite having met the risen Lord. Perhaps I can feel the tension, sense the fear. Are they silent . . . maybe praying . . . or maybe talking among themselves . . .?
The Holy Spirit arrives suddenly, with deafening sound and flames of fire. How do they react? What does this image say to me about the Spirit? The Apostles, now filled with the Spirit, address the crowds. What do they say? How are they different from before? Perhaps I can marvel at how the Spirit works through frail humanity. How does this touch me?
On this day, the birth of the Church, I see the Spirit at work through all nations, making us one in hearing God’s word. As I finish, I might pray especially for the new Pope and the universal Church, that the Spirit will be always at work in us all.
GOSPEL
John 14: 14–15, 23–26
At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you for ever. If anyone loves me, they will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me. These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.’
REFLECTION
As I settle to pray, I take the time to slow down, to relax my body, to breathe slowly. I ask the Spirit, who is with me, to help me pray today. I take the time to read the text slowly, and with reverence. As I reflect on Jesus’s last words to his friends, I ponder his promises.
Which of these phrases particularly touches me? . . . that Jesus is not leaving us alone . . . that he is sending us another Helper . . . that he will make his home in us? How does this make me feel?
I speak to the Spirit, my Helper. Filled with gratitude, I may also address the Trinity, perhaps asking that Father, Son, and Holy Spirit will always dwell within me.
The Holy Spirit will also ‘teach us all things’. As I pray Jesus’ words, I can ask the Spirit to open them up for me and reveal new things. Perhaps I can end my prayer by remaining quiet, pondering the amazing indwelling of God, and leave more conscious of God’s abiding presence.
Courtesy of St Beuno’s Outreach in the Diocese of Wrexham, UK