Saint Cyril of Jerusalem Catholic Church

Today we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday.  Saint Luke tells us that the Spirit came upon the Apostles with a “strong driving wind and with “tongues as of fire.”

As we read Chapter 2 of Acts, it is clear that something radical happened in the lives of the Apostles when they were filled with the Spirit.  They were filled with excitement and began speaking all about Jesus and His resurrection.  Their hearts were burning with love for the Lord and a desire to share His good news with everyone.  They were so excited that many of the people who saw them assumed that they were drunk!

Then Peter took the lead.  He told the people how Jesus was nailed to a cross, “But God raised Him up, releasing Him from the throes of death, because it was impossible for Him to be held by it” (Acts 2:24).  Peter’s words cut the people to the heart, and they asked what they should do.  Peter’s answer was simple and direct: “Repent and be Baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”  Many of the people took His words to heart and were filled with the Spirit that day.  And so the Church was born!

This story reminds us that Pentecost is meant to be experienced. The Spirit wants to form the knowledge of God’s love and mercy into our hearts.  He wants to fill us with the same joy that  the apostles knew – the joy of salvation and the joy of knowing Jesus.

You and I have received the Holy Spirit.  Let us open our hearts and souls to His power, so he can fill us with the same joy.

Happy Pentecost!

Msgr. Powell