Pentecost Sunday – Year C (2025)
Sunday, June 8, 2025
Pentecost, which comes from the Greek “pentekoste”, means fiftieth. This Sunday, fifty days after Christ’s Resurrection, the Church celebrates the Feast of Pentecost, the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, the grace that empowered them and each of us, and also the birth of the Church. Before it was a Christian Feast, it was a Jewish one, “Shavuot,” the day of the first fruits. Fifty days after Passover, the Jews gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the harvest of new grain that was offered to God. Fifty days after the Resurrection, God’s promise was fulfilled as strong wind and tongues of fire descended and rested on each of the disciples, filling them with the Holy Spirit. This is what John the Baptist had prophesied, “He [Christ] will baptize you with the holy Spirit and fire.” —Matthew 3:11. Likewise, the disciples and Mary were together in Jerusalem, waiting for the Holy Spirit that Jesus had promised to them nine days earlier at His Ascension. They fasted and prayed in waiting. This is what novenas in the Church are modeled after. Nine-day periods of private or public devotions to obtain special graces.
The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Holy Trinity, one and equal to God the Father and the Son. He proceeds from the Father and the Son and is sent by Them to teach and guide the Church as Jesus taught: “The holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name—he will teach you everything and remind you of all that [I] told you.” —John 14:26. Speaking of the Holy Spirit, Jesus said that the Father will give us another Advocate, Jesus being the first, to be with us always. The Holy Spirit is the Advocate because He acts as a defender, comforter, and guide for believers. The Holy Spirit continues the work of Christ, reminding believers of Jesus’ teachings, and leads them to a deeper understanding of God’s love and salvation. The Catechism translates it, “literally, He who is called to one’s side.” —Catechism §692.
Today’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles tells us that those who were filled with the Holy Spirit began to speak in different tongues, and the people who heard them, though from every nation under heaven, each heard them speaking in their language. This is the same omnipotent Holy Spirit that continues to work in the lives of the faithful to this day, and of Him Jesus said, “[He] will be with you always.” How liberating it is to know that we who believe have the Holy Spirit with us always to remind us of God’s teachings and guide us in doing what we are called to do; we are not constrained by our limitations or entirely dependent on our labors.
Today, we recall the day when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, filling them with power and courage to proclaim the Good News. The Feast of Pentecost serves as a poignant reminder that the Holy Spirit dwells within us, empowering us to live as disciples of Christ. Led by the Holy Spirit, we are called to use our gifts and talents for the common good, building up the Church, and serving those in need.
Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.