In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Today, beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, we stand at the threshold of a great and mighty feast — the Feast of Pentecost. This is the day when the promise of Christ, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, is fulfilled. As we gather in this holy assembly, let us remember the great gift that was bestowed upon the Apostles, and indeed upon all who believe, as we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Church.
When our Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven, He did not leave us orphaned. He sent the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to abide with us forever. As He spoke to His disciples before His Passion, He promised that the Spirit would lead them into all truth, bringing to remembrance everything that He had taught them. And so, it was on this day, ten days after the Ascension, that the Spirit came upon the Apostles as tongues of fire, and they began to speak in tongues, proclaiming the mighty works of God.
This day is often referred to as the “birthday of the Church,” for it marks the moment when the Church was truly born in the power of the Holy Spirit. The Apostles, once fearful and confused, were transformed into bold witnesses of the Gospel. Through their preaching, thousands were brought into the fold of Christ, and the Church grew, not by human effort, but by the divine power of the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is not just a force but the very Person of the Trinity, who empowers and sanctifies the faithful. He comes to dwell within the hearts of all believers, illuminating our minds and strengthening us for the journey of salvation. He guides us in prayer, intercedes for us when we are weak, and bestows upon us the gifts necessary to build up the Body of Christ.
On this day, we are reminded of the great work of the Spirit in our lives. Just as the Apostles were filled with boldness to speak, so too are we called to share the Gospel with all who will listen. The Spirit gives us the courage to live as Christians in a world that often rejects the message of Christ. Through Him, we find strength in weakness, peace in turmoil, and joy in the midst of suffering.
Let us also remember the fruits of the Holy Spirit, which are evident in the lives of those who walk according to His guidance. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control — these are the qualities that the Spirit cultivates within us. These fruits are not merely moral virtues, but signs of the presence of God in our lives.
Today, as we celebrate this great feast, let us open our hearts to the Holy Spirit. Let us ask Him to fill us anew, to guide our steps, and to grant us the grace to live faithfully as members of the Body of Christ. May we, like the Apostles, be filled with the fire of His love, and may we go forth to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom with boldness and joy.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Amen.
