June 5, 2022
John 14: 15-16, 23b-26
Today we celebrate the solemnity of Pentecost.
According to the Liturgical calendar, Pentecost is celebrated fifty days after the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is the feast which closes the Easter Season.
This feast is beautiful and well-explained in the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles: Acts 2: 1-11.
Verses 1 and 2 say: “When the day of Pentecost came around, they had all met in one room, when suddenly they heard what sounded like a powerful wind from heaven, the noise of which filled the entire house in which they were sitting; and something appeared to them that looked like tongues of fire; these separated and came to rest on the head of each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak foreign languages as the Spirit gave them to speak.”
This shows that the Spirit of the Lord unifies and brings together. We are called to unite ourselves with one another while sharing the various gifts received from God.
The Gospel which is presented to us today reveals the love of Jesus for his Father. “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our dwelling with them.” Jesus invites us to love him above everything and to keep his commandments.
If we live and practice love, our hearts are more open and willing to meet God who is the source of all love. The ten commandments are summarized in love of God and neighbor.
This solemnity reminds us also that we are in communion with Christ through the intervention of the Holy Spirit. We are called to announce the Good News and to be witnesses of him in the world where we are sent.
In verses 16 and 26, Christ promises that he will pray to the Father for us and will give another Advocate who will dwell with us. He says, “The Holy Spirit, the Advocate will teach you everything and remind you of all I have said to you.” By means of this word, Jesus shows us the power and the strength of the Holy Spirit in the life of each person.
Let us always ask God for the grace of the Holy Spirit to enlighten, illuminate guide and sanctify us so that we may always cultivate peace, love and justice around us. Amen!
Happy Feast of Pentecost to all!
John 14: 15-16, 23b-26
Jesus said to his disciples:
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
And I will ask the Father,
and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always.
“Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me.
I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe.”
The Gospel of the Lord
Meet Sister Godlieve Ziunga, SNDdeN
