First Reading Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11
The Holy Spirit descends upon the Apostles gathered in Jerusalem.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 104:1,24,29-31,34
God's Spirit renews the earth.
Second Reading 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7,12-13 or Romans 8:8-17
We are all one in Christ Jesus.
Gospel Reading
John 20:19-23
Jesus appears to his disciples and gives them the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Background on the Gospel Reading
The season of Easter concludes with today's celebration, the feast of Pentecost. On Pentecost we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles gathered in the upper room in Jerusalem; this event marks the beginning of the Church. The story of Pentecost is found in the Acts of the Apostles, today's first reading. The account in today's Gospel, taken from the Gospel of John, also recounts how Jesus gave the gift of the Holy Spirit to his disciples. There is no need to try to reconcile these two accounts to each other. It is enough to know that, after his death, Jesus fulfilled his promise to send to his disciples a helper, an advocate, who would enable them to be his witnesses throughout the world.
We previously heard today's Gospel on the second Sunday of Easter. At that time, we also heard the passage that follows, which describes Jesus' appearance to Thomas. In that context, we were led to reflect on belief and unbelief.
In the context of the feast of Pentecost, this reading reminds us about the integral connection between the gifts of peace and forgiveness and the action of the Holy Spirit. Jesus greets his disciples with the gift of peace. Jesus then commissions his disciples to continue the work that he has begun, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” As he breathes the Holy Spirit upon them, Jesus sends his disciples to continue his work of reconciliation through the forgiveness of sins.
This Gospel reminds us that the Church is called to be a reconciling presence in the world. This reconciling presence of Christ is celebrated in the Church's sacramental life. In the Sacrament of Baptism, we are washed clean from sin and become a new creation in Christ. In the Sacrament of Penance, the Church celebrates the mercy of God in forgiving sins. This reconciling presence is also to be a way of life for Christians. In situations of conflict, we are to be agents of peace and harmony among people.
March 20 - Third Sunday of Lent, Year C
13 March - Second Sunday of Lent, Year C
March 6 : First Sunday of Lent, Year C
February 27 - Eighth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C
February 20 - Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
February 13 - Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
February 6 - Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
January 30 - Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
January 23 :Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
January 16 - Second Sunday in Ordinary Time : Year C
January 9 - The Baptism of the Lord, Year C
January 2 - Epiphany of the Lord
January 1 - Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Mother of God
December 26 - The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, Year C
December 25 - The Nativity of the Lord
December 19 - Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year C
December 12 - Third Sunday in Advent - Year C
December 5 - Second Sunday of Advent, Year C
November 28 - First Sunday of Advent, Year C
November 21 - The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King (Thirty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time), Cycle B
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