First reading: Acts 2:1–11

When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. 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.

Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem. At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. They were astounded, and in amazement they asked, “Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans? Then how does each of us hear them in his native language? We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome, both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God.”

Second reading: 1 Cor. 12:3b–7,12–13

Brothers and sisters: No one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.

As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.

Gospel: Jn. 20:19–23

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”

In other words

by Fr. Gil Alejandria, SVD (Catholic Trade Manila)

Pentecost Sunday has been called the birthday of the Church, for it is on this day that the Church started its existence. When the disciples received the Holy Spirit, they began the arduous task of proclaiming the Gospel and building up Christian communities. From a small group of followers, the Christian communities quickly expanded to many places and attracted many members.

This happened despite the trials and hardships encountered by the disciples, like hostility from authorities that resulted in the martyrdom of many believers. It is an amazing fact that despite the threats faced by Christians, their number continued to grow until governments and authorities had no choice but to accept and recognize them. It was as if the blood of the martyrs served as fertilizers that spurred the growth of the Church.

Pentecost Sunday also reminds us of the “Pentecostal experience” of the disciples. They gathered in prayer and opened themselves up to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. When they received the Holy Spirit, they lost their fears and doubts and boldly proclaimed the Good News. Present-day charismatic and prayer groups recognize the importance of invoking the Holy Spirit to renew their faith and commitment. In the parishes we have served, it was evident that parishioners become more active and committed to their ministries and apostolates after undergoing the “Pentecostal experience” in their prayer meetings and Bible sharing. Indeed, the Holy Spirit continues to bring life to the faith of our brothers and sisters. It is also inspiring lay people who continue to serve in various capacities despite negative experiences with priests or fellow parishioners.

The Holy Spirit enabled the disciples to overcome their fear of persecution, rejection, and death. Death was seen not as something to avoid at all costs but as the ultimate test of faith and the only way to follow Christ, who himself suffered death on the cross. We should once more call on the Holy Spirit to fall afresh on us so we can renew our faith and commitment and overcome all fears.