Dearly beloved,
Peace be with you!
Last Sunday marked the birthday of the Church as the Holy Spirit descended on the twelve Apostles, giving them the gift of tongues. The Solemnity of Pentecost always reminds me of an unforgettable experience I had a few years ago:
One Sunday, I was invited to a Spanish mass by a fellow friar for the first time. I was nervous because I only knew English but my brother friar reassured me that I would enjoy it.
At first, I was a bit confused because of the language barrier, but then I noticed something beautiful - the hand movements, the bows, the periods of kneeling and standing - were just the same as any English-speaking mass I have attended and celebrated.
It is amazing that we are able to celebrate this global miracle of unity in every Eucharistic celebration.
Last Sunday’s second reading says:
1 Corinthians 12:12 (RSVCE)
Jesus created a family that we should be proud to be a part of. No matter the language, the country, or race, Pentecost reminds us that The Church is holy, catholic, apostolic, and most importantly, ONE.
Let us celebrate this unity together and remind ourselves that we are one body in Christ.
Let us pray:
O, Come Holy Spirit, fill our hearts and our minds. Help our church to be unified with the power of your love forever.
Through Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Did you know?
The word “Pentecost'' comes from the Greek “pentecoste”, which means 50th. Pentecost Sunday is celebrated fifty days after Easter.