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
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, John 20:19-23, also recounts how Jesus gave the gift of the Holy Spirit to his disciples. Yet the event in John’s Gospel takes place on Easter Sunday. There is no need to try to reconcile these two accounts. It is to we 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.
In the context of the feast of Pentecost, John 20:19-23 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.” He breathes the Holy Spirit upon the disciples and sends them to continue his work of reconciliation through the forgiveness of sins. Jesus’ act of breathing the Holy Spirit upon the apostles mirrors God’s act of breathing life into Adam. In fact, both the Greek and Hebrew words for “spirit” can also be translated as “breath.” This Gospel reminds us that the Church is called to be a reconciling presence in the world. The reconciling presence of Christ is celebrated in the Church’s sacramental life. In the Sacrament of Baptism, we are cleansed of sin and become a new creation in Christ. In the Sacrament of Penance, the Church celebrates the mercy of God through the forgiveness of 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.
July 4 - Fourteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time year B
June 27 - Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
June 20 - Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B
June 13 - Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B
June 6 - The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, Cycle B
May 30 - Feast of Holy Trinity
May 17 - The Ascension of the Lord, Cycle B
May 10 - Sixth Sunday of Easter, Cycle B
May 2 - Fifth Sunday of Easter, Cycle B
April 25 - Fourth Sunday of Easter, Cycle B
April 18 - Third Sunday of Easter, Cycle B
April 11 - Second Sunday of Easter, Cycle B (or Sunday of Divine Mercy)
April 4 - Easter Sunday : Experiencing Easter Everyday
April 2 : Good Friday : By His Wounds We Have Healed.
April 1 : Holy Thursday : The Day of Love
March 28 - Passion Sunday : Marching with Jesus
March 21- Fifth Sunday in Lent Year B :
March 14 - Fourth Sunday of Lent :
March 7 - Third Sunday of Lent Year B
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