“Lord, send out your spirit, and renew the face of the earth.”
Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34
Readings
Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11
First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13
Gospel according to St. John 20:19-23
Reflection
by Sister Dorothy Jean Beyer, OSB
The readings and the prayers for Pentecost Sunday are so rich and beautiful! It is a glorious feast in the Church year. The message is clear! The gifts of the Holy Spirit are plentiful and bring sweet refreshment to us. The Holy Spirit is our most welcome guest, our solace in the midst of sorrow, our divine light and wisdom in our world of confusion and distorted messages. The Holy Spirit is our peace and our rest in our labors for the Kingdom. We count on the Holy Spirit to foster love and courage in our hearts when we feel discouraged and depressed. The Holy Spirit comforts us and heals our wounds of stubbornness and ego-centered actions. The Holy Spirit gives us joys that never end. Yes, we count on the power and the nurturance of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Spirit of the living God, breathe in us and make us your instruments of peace and joy.
St. Paul writes that “No one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord’ except by the Holy Spirit.” We are blessed for “we were baptized into one body and we were all given to drink of the one Spirit.”
In the Gospel Acclamation, we plead that the Holy Spirt will come and kindle in our hearts the fire of purifying love and truth.
After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples and said to them, “Peace be with you.” He breathed on the disciples, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” What a privilege and a joy for the disciples! May Jesus breathe on us today and may the Holy Spirit fall on us afresh.
Let us pray: Veni, Sancte Spiritus! Come, Holy Spirit, come! May we be filled with the gifts of the Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord and the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, and chastity.
From the Rule of St. Benedict
“Come and listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.” Rule of Benedict Prologue 12
Gospel Acclamation
“Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.”