23/05/2026
Reflections on the Solemnity of Pentecost.
Today, the Glorious season of Easter comes to a close with the celebration of the descent of the Holy Spirit. For fifty joyful days, we have been celebrating the new life that Christ has won for us at His Resurrection, and now, after His Ascension, His promised Advocate finally arrives through the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity.
In a special way, Pentecost also marks the beginning of the Church, its birthday, for with the Holy Spirit, the Church, through its members, has been energized in order to proclaim Christ's love to all of the world.
What significance, then, does this almost two thousand year event have in our lives today as Christians and followers of Christ?
First and foremost, we must realize that Pentecost is not just a one time historical event. Yes, the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples through tongues of fire. But it doesn't mean that after that momentous event, the work of the Spirit comes to a close. As a matter of fact, it is quite the opposite, for Pentecost marks the beginning of the role of the Spirit in the Church. Through the outpouring gifts of the Holy Spirit, each and every member of the Church is given the necessary graces in order to continue the mission of proclaiming God's love to all the world. When we are given the strength to continue despite the challenges we face, we must bear in mind that it is actually the Spirit who invigorates us to continue the mission of the Risen One even to this modern age.
As we close Easter and return once again to the Ordinary Times of the year, let us bear in mind that our mission continues. May the Spirit of God sustain us so that we may be able to fulfill our role in building God's Kingdom to all the Earth! Veni Sancte Spiritus!
