Pentecost Sunday - Acts 2:1-11; 1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13; Jn 20:19-23 or Jn 14:15-16, 23b-26

06-08-2025Weekly ReflectionThe Faithful Disciple

In today’s first reading, we join the Apostles in the Upper Room. These individuals had accompanied Jesus to his death and been witnesses to his resurrection and ascension. Can you imagine the throes of emotion accompanying each experience? Now, they gather together, perhaps discussing what to do next. They wonder where they should go, and who they should listen to, since Jesus was no longer there: “And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind.”

In a moment swelling with grace, tongues of fire descended upon each person present, “and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.” What might this moment have sounded like? Looked like? Felt like? The Apostles were weary and grieving, but Jesus made a promise he intended to keep — that he would send an advocate in his name to teach them everything. That same Spirit now waits to guide and empower us if we are willing to receive him.

Jesus’ death left his followers grieving and disoriented. They had left everything to follow him. And now, he was gone. What would become of them? Jesus said: “I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” On this feast of Pentecost, Jesus’ promise is fulfilled. When the Father sent down the Spirit, it was not just for a singular, grand moment in time; the Spirit came for good. In the same way the Apostles were strengthened by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, so were we strengthened at our confirmation. We were commissioned, as were they, to live out our faith in the world. When we need strength in this mission, let us remember that the word advocate comes from the Latin word advocatus, which means “one who draws near.” Come, Holy Spirit, come!

REFLECT: Read the Veni, Sancte Spiritus (“Come, Holy Spirit”) prayer that we heard before the Gospel today. Each line, laden with powerful imagery, invites us to understand the Spirit more intimately. Reflect on where you experience the Holy Spirit in your life today, and where you long for a greater outpouring of his fire.