Pentecost –Birth of the Catholic Church
Founded by Jesus ChristSunday, we celebrate a monumental event that happened 50 days after the Resurrection about 2,000 years ago – Pentecost.
Devout Jews from every nation were in Jerusalem for the Jewish feast of Pentecost (Shavuot in Hebrew), which was celebrated at that time as a harvest feast as well as a commemoration of Moses’ having received the Jewish law on Mount Sinai.
It had been a week since the apostles watched Jesus ascend into the clouds to Heaven.
On Pentecost they had gathered with Mary to pray. They were abruptly interrupted, when a strong wind blew through the house and the Holy Spirit appearing as tongues of fire settled upon each of them.
Jesus had told them at the last supper that an advocate would be sent by God.
He said, “the Holy Spirit, that the Father will send in my name—he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. So, Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Not as the world gives, do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” – John 14:26-27.
To add to the astounding amazement of this day, the apostles began speaking languages of all the nations. Languages they previously didn’t know and now they understood. These once timid disciples were now enthusiastic apostles able and empowered to speak Christ’s word.
The apostles went out immediately evangelizing.
About 3000 people were baptized that day after hearing St. Peter’s passionate message calling for repentance and conversion (Acts 2:14-41).
St. Paul reminds us that the gifts of the Holy Spirit dwell in each of us.
He explains how the sharing of the various spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit enriches the Church.
Paul lists the fruits of the Spirit in his Letter to the Galatians 5:22-25:
“What the Spirit brings is … love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
“Since the Spirit is our life, let us be directed by the Spirit”
So, let us all listen to St. Paul and recognize these gifts, using each one for the benefit of others, our world, and the Church.Holy Spirit Prayer:
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.
V. Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created.
R. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
Let us pray.
O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.Pentecost mural in the sanctuary of St. Jude Catholic Church, Peoria, IL, is by the city’s local artist Andrew Hattermann of Murals by Jericho. The artwork features St. Clement; St. Rose of Lima, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Maria Boretti, St. Augustine, St. John Vianney, the four Apostles, St. Peter, St. Jude, Mary, St. John, five Apostles, St. Therese of Lisseux, St. Bernadette, St. Philip Neri, St. Louis Martin, St. Zelie Martin, St. Dominic, and St. Francis.
