First Reading - Acts 2:1-11
Second Reading - Romans 8:8-17
Gospel - John 14:15-16,23-26
Today we celebrate the solemn feast of Pentecost— a day that marks the birth of the Church.
Why do we call this the birthday of the Church? Because on this day, as we hear in the Acts of the Apostles, the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples. And suddenly, people from many different nations and languages could hear and understand the message of the Gospel. It was the beginning of something powerful and new: a community united not by language, culture, or background, but by faith in Jesus Christ.
This is what the word “Catholic” means: universal. The Church is not just for one people or one nation—it is for everyone, in every part of the world. Whether we come from Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas, or the Pacific Islands, we are part of one global family, united by the same Spirit and the same faith.
The first reading today reminds us that the Church was born in diversity. People from different parts of the world—speaking different languages, with different customs—were all able to hear one message, the message of God’s love and salvation. This is a powerful image of what the Church is meant to be: a place where all people are welcomed, where our differences are not erased, but embraced and united by the Spirit.
Our journey into this family begins with Baptism. In baptism, we become sons and daughters of God. But as today’s Gospel reminds us, being baptized is only the beginning. We are called to live as true members of this family. And what holds this family together is not blood, not nationality, not tradition—it is love.
Jesus says: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” And His commandment, above all others, is simple but demanding: “Love one another as I have loved you.” This kind of love crosses every boundary. It welcomes the stranger, forgives the offender, and cares for the one in need—whether that person looks like us or not, speaks our language or not, shares our culture or not. This is the heart of Pentecost: unity without uniformity, diversity in harmony.
In the second reading, St. Paul reminds us that we must live not according to the “flesh,” but according to the Spirit. That means letting go of selfishness, pride, jealousy, and hatred—things that divide us. Instead, we are called to live by the Spirit, which brings peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and love.
Dear brothers and sisters, today’s celebration is not only a memory of something that happened 2,000 years ago. Pentecost is happening today. The Spirit is still being poured out into the Church, into our hearts, into our lives.
The Christian life is a journey we walk together. It’s a life of community, of service, of love, lived across every culture and border. The Holy Spirit doesn't erase our differences—it transforms them into gifts for the good of all.
Let us pray, then, that the Holy Spirit may fill our hearts, our communities, and our Church with new fire, so that we may live our faith in unity, love, and joyful witness—wherever we are, and whoever we are.
Come, Holy Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.
.jpeg)
0 Comments