PENTECOST, the fast of the “fifty day” was one of the three Jewish festivals listed in Ex.23:14-17. It was an agricultural feast celebrated in thanksgiving to the Lord for the land. It was also known as the “feast of the weeks” during which the first fruits of the land were presented to the Lord. In Ex.20 Pentecost became the commemoration of giving of the law at Sinai. In Christian circles Pentecost celebrates the Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples accompanied by theophanies and the gift of tongues or “glossolalia”. Pentecost reversed Babel. At Pentecost the diversity of tongues did not create confusion. The people rather, understood each other. Pentecost, restored order and unity. We cannot celebrate the birth of the Church divided. At Pentecost, the Church was empowered to take Jesus’ “good news” to all cultures. In John the Resurrection and the Giving of the Holy Spirit occurred on the same day. And the Spirit was given not only for the missionary activity of the Church, but also for the forgiveness of sins. There is no unity without forgiveness. Without unity we cannot be part of the Mystery of the Blessed Trinity. The gradual development in the spreading of the “good news” was not of human origin. The Church as a mystery of God was introduced into our human history for our salvation and santification. Pentecost has liberated us. We have to be thankful. It has made us a new breed of peoples, the renewal of the face of the earth, therefore, depends upon us now. ,

In what ways are you in need of healing? Allow Jesus to take you by the hand and raise you up.

Fr. Joseph