Pentecost Sunday
08 June 2025
First Reading: Acts 2:1-11
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13
Gospel: John 20:19-23
Reflection
By: Bernard M. Borja
In the afternoon of Wednesday, 7th of May 2025, one hundred and thirty-three Cardinals were gathered in the Pauline Chapel, all asking for divine guidance as the Papal Conclave began. “Veni Creator Spiritus” – a prayer and hymn that the Cardinal electors were chanting during their procession to the Sistine Chapel as they receive a final spiritual reflection and begin their sacred task of voting for a Supreme Pontiff. The divine process behind closed doors went on for the next two days. But for us and the rest of the world, we waited. Even though we heard and read some stories about it, and while there were also some depictions through films, imagining the things that happen inside the chapel during the conclave could only be put up to faith. We can only look forward and watch the smoke from the chimney of the Sistine chapel that would signify that “no pope was chosen” or “a pope has been chosen”. Then at last, on May 8, at 6:07pm Rome time, the white smoke appeared, and the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica began to ring. Minutes later, after the much-anticipated words – “Habemus Papam” has been spoken, and as our hearts started to be filled with joy, the new Pope Leo XIV came out onto the balcony. Then he spoke his first words to the faithful, a much familiar greeting that the risen Christ also said to the disciples – “Peace be with you.”
It is both joyful and consoling when we remember these events that are not just a significant part of our faithful identity but also manifestation of God’s love through The Holy Spirit. Similarly, two thousand years ago, something also happened behind locked doors that eventually led to the birth of the Catholic Church. Both events have the same message of Christ, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” A message that has been passed not only to the church leaders but also to us all.
Today, we are reminded of our identity as a church and manifestation of the works of The Holy Spirit. Like the disciples and Pope Leo XIV, we are also called to proclaim the mighty acts of God to the peripheries of the world. As Pope Leo XIV said, “Together we must try to be a missionary church, a church that builds bridges and always dialogues, that is always open to receiving everyone in need. A church that journeys, a church that seeks peace always, that always seeks charity, that wants to be close to people, especially those who are suffering."
Though sometimes, we may not always find ourselves in a state of carrying out the mission of the church or receiving someone in need. There are times when we feel that what we have is not enough to console someone in need. Saint Paul reminds us that in one Spirit we are all baptized into one body of Christ. But we are all called in our uniqueness to be witnesses in our own ways because as Saint Paul said, “there are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit, different forms of service but the same Lord, 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.”
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle shared a moment that happened with him and then Cardinal Robert Prevost during the conclave. Cardinal Prevost became anxious as it became clearer that he was about to be elected as the next pope. Seeing his face with deep sighs, Cardinal Tagle offered him a candy, “Do you want some candy?” Cardinal Prevost said, “Okay, give me one.” It was a funny and warm moment about someone whose anxiety rose up because of a coming responsibility but being consoled by a simple gesture or offering. As Cardinal Tagle said, “It was my first act of charity for the new pope.” This can also remind us how a simple offer can console and encourage someone in need even though help was not being asked. A simple reminder of how we, as a church, can build bridges with the gifts that we have received from The Holy Spirit. A gift, or “candy”, that we can always offer as one with a church that always seeks charity to be lived with others and bring the peace of the Risen Christ that is unarmed and disarming. As Pope Leo XIV also said recently, “the Christian Life is not lived in isolation, like an intellectual or sentimental adventure, confined to our minds and hearts. It is lived with others, in a group or a community, because the Risen Christ is present among the disciples gathered in His name.” Today, as we celebrate the birth of the Catholic Church, may the Holy Spirit fill our hearts and enable us to proclaim the mighty acts of God through our openness to offer a part of ourselves to charity.
Prayer
Come, Holy Spirit, Creator blest,
and in our souls take up Thy rest;
come with Thy grace and heavenly aid
to fill the hearts which Thou hast made.
O comforter, to Thee we cry,
O heavenly gift of God Most High,
O fount of life and fire of love,
and sweet anointing from above.
Thou in Thy sevenfold gifts are known;
Thou, finger of God's hand we own;
Thou, promise of the Father,
Thou Who dost the tongue with power imbue.
Kindle our sense from above,
and make our hearts o'erflow with love;
with patience firm and virtue high
the weakness of our flesh supply.
Far from us drive the foe we dread,
and grant us Thy peace instead;
so shall we not, with Thee for guide,
turn from the path of life aside.
Oh, may Thy grace on us bestow
the Father and the Son to know;
and Thee, through endless times confessed,
of both the eternal Spirit blest.
Now to the Father and the Son,
Who rose from death, be glory given,
with Thou, O Holy Comforter,
henceforth by all in earth and heaven.
AMEN.
