Come Holy Spirit!

Pentecost Sunday

23 May 2021 

 

First Reading:  ACTS 2:1-11

Responsorial Psalm:  PS 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34

Second Reading:  1 COR 12:3b-7, 12-13 or GAL 5:16-25

Gospel:  JN 20:19-23

 

Reflection

By: Benj Santiago

 

"Now the works of the flesh are obvious: immorality, impurity, lust, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outburst of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions, occasions of envy, drinking bouts, orgies, and the like"..."In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."

This Pentecost Sunday which is the Third Glorious Mystery of the Holy Rosary, we celebrate the Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ while they were in Jerusalem. "Pente" means "fifty" days after the celebration of Easter Sunday!

Jesus in this occasion shared to the believers, the difference between the works of the flesh versus the fruit of the Holy Spirit. I did a self check and found myself guilty in a lot of the "works of the flesh" as I try to do  my best to do the works of the "Spirit"! In the midst of what's happening all around us , it is so easy for me to fall into dissent, envy, hatred, and rivalry! Invoking the power of Holy Spirit has been a constant practice for me and the entire family. We pray to the Holy Spirit from simple request of a parking slot in a mall, to a more serious need like healing of a sick loved one. But there are also occasions we seem to forget to recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit in our daily life.

The "Spirit" is willing, the flesh is weak"! That's very real for me. The battle between the flesh and the Spirit is moment by moment. You and I are so blessed that we received the Holy Spirit in our Baptism. A promise He left His disciples before He was lifted up in heaven. Thus, we are all assured that He will not leave us alone in our daily battles. He will always be with us through the Holy Spirit!

 

Prayer

 

Heavenly Father, we thank You for sending us the Holy Spirit to comfort us, strengthen us and empower us in our daily battles. "Come Holy Spirit we need You! Come Holy Spirit we pray!"