05/24/2026
Today is May 24, 2026, which is “Pentecost Sunday.” We celebrated this very special day together here at The Solid Rock Church in Winter Haven, Florida. The Reverend Father Gabriel Ipasu shared with us the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John 20:19-23, ‘Peace be with you.'
The entire church was decorated with a red color theme, which was beautiful and vibrant. Most of the congregation also wore something red. The red color is worn on this day to symbolize the tongues of fire that rested on the apostles when the Holy Spirit descended upon them in Acts 2, representing spiritual fire, zeal, and the birth of the church.
Outside at the entrance to the church were red and orange streamers representing the fire of the Holy Spirit.
Several beautiful hymns were sung, which were very appropriate for the day, such as 'Stand Up and Bless the Lord,' 'Sweet Sweet Spirit,' and 'Breathe on Me Breath of God.' A wonderful service was had by all, and the Spirit of the Lord was in this place!
The Reverend Father Gabriel Ipasu read the Gospel of John and then gave a terrific sermon. This is one of the most exciting Gospels in the Bible, as it recounts Jesus' post-resurrection appearance to His disciples, offering peace, the Holy Spirit, and the authority to forgive sins.
Father Gabriel pointed out that when the disciples were gathered and locked away for fear of the Jewish leaders, they were not expecting the Holy Spirit to descend upon them. It was a surprise to them. Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” He showed them His hands and side, and they were overjoyed when they saw Him. Jesus said again, “Peace be with you.” As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you.” Then He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone's sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
The disciples were gathered in fear, locked away after Jesus' crucifixion, uncertain about their safety and their future.
By Jesus saying, 'Peace be with you,' He reassured them by not offering just the absence of fear, but the presence of God's peace. This greeting changed their anxiety into joy and hope.
By Jesus showing them His wounds, it confirmed His identity and the reality of His resurrection. It strengthened the disciples' faith and showed them the cost of His sacrifice.
Jesus then sent the disciples into the world, resembling His own mission, spreading the Gospel empowered by the Holy Spirit.
The disciples received the Holy Spirit when Jesus breathed on them, which made them ready for ministry and guiding the early church.
Jesus grants the disciples the authority to forgive or retain sins, which sets the foundation of Christian ministry and reconciliation with God.
Reverend Gabriel shared with us that when we get a feeling within our being to help someone or to do a good deed, this is the Holy Spirit prompting us to do something fruitful. We always have the power of the Holy Spirit on our side.
Will you answer when the Holy Spirit calls upon you?
Let's think about that.
Happy Pentecost Sunday!
