The Holy Spirit empowers us

May 19, Pentecost Sunday
Daily Readings: Acts 2:1-11; 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13; John 20:19-23

Today, the whole Church is celebrating Pentecost Sunday. All Sunday readings pertain to the Holy Spirit. On Pentecost day, the believers gathered, and the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles and believers with a tongue in fire.  

The second reading confirms that the Holy Spirit guides the disciples as they do their ministry.  They received different spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit gave them.  The Holy Spirit is the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to his disciples before He left this world: that He would send the Paraclete to guide them.

In today's Gospel reading, as the disciples gathered behind closed doors, Jesus suddenly appeared to them and said, "Peace be with you." As the Father sent me, so I send you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

The three R's can summarize the invitation of the Holy Spirit: receive, renew, and return. As God sends the Holy Spirit to his people, we need to open our hearts and minds to receive the Holy Spirit full-heartedly and without any doubts.   

As we receive the Holy Spirit, we remember that we have a mission to renew the face of the earth.

Finally, the Father encourages us to return and express our gratitude for all the wonderful things that have happened to us.

Call to Action for Catholic Living: God invites all of us to receive and be filled with the Holy Spirit, renew the face of the earth as part of our mission, and always return to God with gratitude.

Lord Jesus, may you send us the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit. Amen.