The Ever Present Guide

Pentecost Sunday 

20 May 2018

First reading                                                                      Acts 2:1-11
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each.
Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs-in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.”

Second reading                                                       Galatians 5:16-25

Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. For what the flesh desires is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the law. Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.

Gospel                                                                     John 15:26-27, 16:12-15

Jesus said to his disciples: “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. You also are to testify because you have been with me from the beginning.

“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.”

Reflection

By Pietro S. Albano

"Pray to the Holy Spirit", my Mother used to tell me and my siblings whenever we were reviewing for our tests in school. That was the first time I had an idea of what the Holy Spirit was about. Ever since, I have prayed to the Holy Spirit, asking for His guidance not only during tests, but also for interviews, lectures, meetings, etc. 

Mama's advice makes sense as we reflect on all the readings for Pentecost Sunday. Imagine the once fearful disciples, in today's First Reading, coming out into the open preaching, and speaking in various languages! In our modern and often challenging times, we could think of bishops, priests, nuns, lay faithful speaking out courageously for truth and justice. It amazes me how they are able to do that. Yes, they may have reviewed the topic, they may have a clear understanding of the issue, they may have all the information they need to present, but without the guidance of the Holy Spirit I doubt if their 'testifying', as Jesus would put it in today's Gospel, would be effective.

We all face tests in every shape and form in life. It may be helping out your child in their assignments. or convincing a neighbor to join your block rosary group. It may be inspiring a young person to consider the priesthood or overcoming your addiction (Think of those 'works of the flesh' that St Paul wrote in today's Second Reading). It may be serving at Mass at the wee hours of the morning or spending the night looking after someone who is ill. It may be dealing with a difficult colleague or carrying out one's duties on a manic day and workplace. Whatever it is, we are not alone. As one colleague used to tell me,"All you have to do is ask (for the Holy Spirit's help)".  

Prayer

Holy Spirit, You have always been there with me through the many tests in life. As I look back at what I have achieved, my heart cries out: "Thank You". Please continue to help me as the Father prunes me to become more fruitful. Amen.