June 9 // Feast of Pentecost

Reading I: Acts 2:1-11
Responsorial Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34
Reading II: 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13
or Romans 8:8-17
Gospel: John 20:19-23 or John 14:15-16, 23b-26

Recently, I read an article about the Holy Spirit. The author was arguing that Catholics, in general, are atheists with respect to the Spirit. What he meant was that we talk a lot about God the Father and about Jesus, but we seldom think about or pray to the Spirit.

I am not sure that I agree. I have heard many people speak of the Holy Spirit, present and acting in their lives.

Today’s Gospel is John’s version of the coming of the Spirit. The risen Jesus breathes on his disciples and tells them to receive the Holy Spirit, who is the Advocate. Notes in the New American Bible reference the story of God breathing life into Adam. Now Jesus is breathing new life in the Spirit into his disciples, and into us through the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation.

Jesus also wishes peace to his followers. The Workbook for Lectors says, “[The] peace that Jesus gives creates wholeness and harmony and is a source of transformation of individuals and the entire community. Jesus lets his followers know…that the gifts that he gives them are meant to be shared.”

Twenty-five years ago, my father died and my husband lost his job in the same week. I remember feeling a deep sense of peace, which I was certain was coming from God the Spirit. Have you felt that kind of peace?

If all of us Christians truly accepted this powerful gift, we could transform not only ourselves, but also the world.

Sheryl Zabel
Pastoral Minister, RCIA