Reflection for Sunday 24th May, 2026

Pentecost

Pentecost Sunday (Acts 2:1-12)

As we have already reflected on today’s Gospel on the First Sunday after Easter, today we will reflect on St. Luke’s description of Pentecost in the Acts of the Apostles.

At the Ascension, Jesus instructed the disciples to gather in prayer in Jerusalem. Mary, the Mother of the Lord, and other disciples, joined. The Apostles would have remembered that Jesus promised the coming of the Holy Spirit. “When the Spirit of truth comes he will lead you to the complete truth … and he will reveal to you the things to come.” (John 16:13).

Days passed … they prayed and pondered. What will happen? When will it come?
Then, according to Luke, on the Sunday known as Pentecost, extraordinary things began to happen.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful, enkindle within us the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit, O Lord, and renew the face of the earth.

Pentecost, a Greek word for fifty (7 weeks + 1 day), celebrated the completion of the year’s first harvest (barley). According to Luke, thousands had come from many countries and languages for this celebration.
The Apostles were still behind locked doors, not knowing what to do. Suddenly a mighty wind shook the house, and tongues of fire descended, separated and settled on the head of each Apostle.
The Apostles were totally transformed. Gone was their fear. Now they knew what to do and what to say. It was the birthday of the Church. Visitors to Jerusalem, from many different countries, could hear the Apostles speak in their language, a sign that the Church would be universal.

Many people have favourite places of pilgrimage where they feel close to God. Perhaps the most important pilgrimage is the journey inwards to recognise the presence of God with us and within us. In Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans he tells us, “The Spirit of God has made his home in you.” Then he adds that when we do not know how to pray, the Holy Spirit within us prays in ways beyond the scope of words. The indwelling of God is like a secret room. Jesus once said that when we pray, we should go into that secret room, close the door, and be attentive to God within us.

Every Sunday at Mass we profess our belief in the Holy Spirit as the Lord and Giver of life. Lord indicates that the Holy Spirit is divine. Giver of life recognises that the Holy Spirit is the power of spiritual growth. Speaking to Nicodemus, Jesus compared the Holy Spirit to the wind. We do not see the wind but we can see its effects in the racing of clouds, the slanting of smoke or the scampering of fallen leaves. Similarly, we do not see the Holy Spirit but we recognise the effects of the Holy Spirit in the presence of wisdom, prayerfulness, extraordinary courage, forgiveness, generosity and love. The Church is the community of Spirit-filled believers. Happy birthday!

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful, enkindle within us the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit, O Lord, and renew the face of the earth.