The Feast of Pentecost: The Fire of the Holy Spirit
Today, the Church celebrates Pentecost Sunday, a feast that marks the glorious outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and the birth of the Church. It is often called the Church’s birthday, and with good reason—for from this moment, the followers of Christ began their mission to preach the Gospel to all nations.
Pentecost occurs fifty days after Easter and brings the Easter season to a close. On this day, as described in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 2:1–11), the disciples were gathered in one place when suddenly a sound like a mighty wind filled the house, and tongues of fire came to rest on each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages, enabling them to proclaim the Good News to people from every corner of the known world.
This miraculous event transformed the disciples. Once fearful and uncertain, they became bold, courageous, and joy-filled witnesses of the Risen Christ. Their mission had truly begun—not by their own strength, but through the power and inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Pentecost is not merely a historical event. It is a living reality for the Church today. The same Spirit who came at Pentecost continues to be poured out upon us through the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation, and through the life of the Church. The Holy Spirit is our Advocate and Guide, who leads us into all truth, strengthens us in our weaknesses, and unites us as one body in Christ.
The gifts of the Holy Spirit—wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord—are given so that we may grow in holiness and carry out our mission in the world.
As we celebrate this feast, let us open our hearts afresh to the Spirit’s presence and power. Let us also keep all who are preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation in our Deanery in our prayers.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful,
and kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created,
and you shall renew the face of the earth.
May this Pentecost renew in us the joy of the Gospel, the fire of love, and the courage to witness to Christ in all that we do.