05/24/2026
Happy Pentecost Sunday!
“Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire,
which parted and came to rest on each one of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit
and began to speak in different tongues,
as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim”.
(Acts 2:1-11)
St. Luke describes the setting of the descent of the Holy Spirit as “the day when Pentecost had come” (Acts 2:1). This Fiftieth Day (pentekoste) was for Israel a spring harvest feast ending the days of celebration after Passover. It was also a celebration of the giving of the Law on Mt. Sinai. For the Christian, it remains the “fiftieth day,” but after Jesus’ Passion, Death, and Resurrection, and the celebration of the Gift of the Holy Spirit.
When the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples, they immediately began proclaiming the Gospel. In fact, three thousand people were baptized that day. The disciples, through the gift of the Holy Spirit, were answering Jesus’ call to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). The Holy Spirit is vital in the mission and witness of the Church, so we consider Pentecost the birthday of the Church.
“Lord Jesus, Redeemer and Teacher, breathe unto us, as You did unto Your disciples, the Spirit of understanding and wisdom, of courage and fortitude, that we, too, may make a difference in others' lives, instilling faith in hearts in doubt, hope in the face of trials, love in the midst of all hatred. Amen. May the Holy Spirit rekindle the fire of our love for God and family!” 🙏🏻🔥