Vigil of Pentecost 2023

 

Pentecost is called the "birth-day" of the Church. The Apostles had already received the Holy Spirit on Christ's first appearance to them after his resurrection (Jn 20:22). But on Pentecost day the descent of the Holy Spirit was a public manifestation intended to impress and amaze the crowds of local and foreign Jews who thronged Jerusalem on that great festive occasion. The signs and wonders that manifested his coming brought these Jews in huge crowds to the place where the Apostles were staying, and immediately the gift of tongues was used by the Apostles to explain the occurrence.

Today was the day chosen for the beginnings of this mission of the Apostles. That they were backed by the divine power of the Holy Spirit was proved, not only by the gift of tongues but more especially by the change his coming wrought on the Apostles. From this day forward they were dedicated to one purpose and to one purpose only, to bring the good news, the Gospel of Christ, to the world. To form a Community of Followers, a Church, to bring about the Mission of Jesus entrusted to them, the Body of Jesus Christ.

Second Reading     First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians 12:2-7, 12-13. 

You know how, when you were pagans, you were constantly attracted and led away to mute idols. Therefore, I tell you that nobody speaking by the spirit of God says, “Jesus be accursed.” And no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the holy Spirit. 

There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; 

there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. 

As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit. 

Missionary Disciples throughout the world today are …

         

filled with the Spirit,

                  and speak of the great things that God had done.

 

         afraid, but

                  the Lord is in our midst and says to us:
                  “Peace be with you, peace be with you.”

 

         set free,

                  letting the Lord breathe upon us and say to us:
                  “Receive the Spirit, receive the Spirit.”

 
         we are sent forth

                  to become bearers of Christ’s reconciling love
                  many the gifts of the Spirit given…

Litany of the Holy Spirit

Dan Schutte

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp0vQdAju8Y