Scripture Reflection - June 8, 2025

Pentecost Sunday

First Reading: Acts 2:1-11

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13

Gospel: John 20:19-23

"COME, HOLY SPIRIT, FILL THE HEARTS OF YOUR FAITHFUL

AND KINDLE IN THEM THE FIRE OF YOUR LOVE"

Today's readings speak of Pentecost - the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles - the beginning of a new way of God being with us. Standard terms used to describe the Holy Spirit are advocate, defender, helper, supporter, comforter, and guide. What a wonderful source. A source that cannot be seen but certainly can be felt. Throughout my life, through prayer and conscious contact with God, I have felt the presence of the Holy Spirit, sometimes in the moment and often in hindsight, with the realization that I wasn't alone and that I was being cared for in ways unseen. 

In today's first reading, the dual nature of the Holy Spirit is described. Amazingly, the apostles are given the ability to speak in tongues, and more amazingly, those listening are able to hear the message in their own language. How is this possible? Certainly beyond our comprehension,  but not beyond our experience. Even today, the Spirit speaks to us in a profoundly personal and intimate way. Not in language in the literal sense but in the language of the soul. 

Today's second reading discusses the diverse manifestations of the Holy Spirit. "To each individual, the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit." There are many gifts of the Holy Spirit, given for the benefit of the world. Subtle as they may be, one could say they are whispers of thunder.

Recalling my grammar school days, I was taught that the gifts of the Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and the fear of the Lord. The concept of the Holy Spirit is very much dependent on faith. And paradoxically, that gift of faith can only be derived from that same Holy Spirit. How has the Holy Spirit gifted me and you?

In today's gospel, John speaks of Jesus's resurrection meeting with his disciples when he greets them, saying, "Peace be with you…and when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them receive the Holy Spirit…".   I love that Jesus uses his breath to bestow his Spirit upon his followers. It reminded me of how God "breathed" life into Adam. The subtlety and gentle power of breath is raised to new heights. 

Pentecost has always held special meaning for me. Today, we are in great need of the gifts and power of the Holy Spirit in our country and around the world. The earthly powers that be are failing us. It appears that evil is winning. Thinking too long about this can be harmful to our well-being, and yet we can't ignore it. However, we can pray. 

So, together on Pentecost Sunday and thereafter, let us pray, "Lord, send out your Spirit and renew the face of the earth." Heal our nation, and may your peace be with us all. Amen.

Peggy Roach, Associate