Pentecost Sunday

When we hear Pentecost, it refers to the descent of the Holy Spirit.  He is the Hebrew ruah , (breath), the Latin Paraclitus,  (spirit), and the Greek dunamis (power).  The Holy Spirit then is easily understood by His roles and functions in the economy of our salvation.  The Holy Spirit is the breath that gives, animates life; the Spirit that builds and sanctifies us; and the Divine Power that builds us into one.  

Pentecost simply means fiftieth day (50th) after Easter.  Jesus said, “I have to go, so that the Holy Spirit can come to you.”  The Holy Spirit was promised to us in order to guide us in all truth.  During the Pentecost, the descent of the Holy Spirit, tongues of fire enkindled in them the fire of love and apostolic zeal.  They received the gifts of the Holy Spirit (Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety and Fear of the Lord).

It is in this way, that the Church" was made manifest to the world on the day of Pentecost by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The gift of the Spirit ushers in a new era …- the age of the Church, during which Christ manifests, makes present, and communicates his work of salvation through the liturgy of his Church, 'until he comes.' [1 Cor. 11:26] In this age of the Church Christ now lives and acts in and with his Church…. He acts through the sacraments …" (CCC, 1076)

We as Church should ask the Holy Spirit to bless us and send forth all his gifts as we do our Christian duties and responsibilities.

Come, Holy Spirit!  Enkindle our faith in one God!  And inspire the Church as she dispenses the sacraments of unity and love.