Posted on June 6, 2025 View all Gospel Reflection
Happy Birthday!
In many ways it is truly fitting to consider the Solemnity of Pentecost as the “birthday” of the Church. Some might want to say it is Christmas, since Jesus was born that day into the world. Others might say that it is Easter, since that is when Jesus rose from the dead and fulfilled the Messianic promise to bring salvation to all of God’s people. Some might even say it is on Holy Thursday when Jesus Christ instituted the Sacrament of the Eucharist at the Last Supper. But I would put myself into the “Pentecost Camp”.
When one considers what the Church truly is, it becomes clearer to consider this position. In the Catechism of the Catholic Church it is noted that “I believe in the Holy Catholic Church” comes immediately after the words “I believe in the Holy Spirit”. (CCC687, CCC748) It further says that the Church is a communion living in the faith of the apostles which she transmits. (CCC688) Therefore the Church is a place of faith lived in action, and that action is powered by the Holy Spirit. It is no wonder why Jesus often told his disciples that he would have to leave them so that he could send them the Advocate, the Holy Spirit.
The arrival of the Holy Spirit is transformative for the disciples. First it moved their hearts from fear to courage. From doubt to a firm faith. It empowered them to go forth into the world and proclaim the Gospel to all corners of the earth. But the arrival of the Holy Spirit is also more than just as if the disciples had the energizer batteries put into their hearts so they could get going with their evangelization. It actually transformed them and fulfilled them. In much the same way, we are transformed and fulfilled when we receive the Holy Spirit at our Confirmation. Confirmation brings an increase and deepening of Baptismal grace. It unites us more deeply in the divine filiation; unites us more firmly to Christ; increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us; renders our bond with the Church more perfect; and gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross. (CCC1303)
In Acts we heard how the disciples were all in one place together (gathered in fear with locked doors) when suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, tongues of fire which descended upon each of them. This was the fulfillment of the promise that Jesus made to them when he said “Peace be with you. … Receive the Holy Spirit.” (John 20:21-22) Jesus gave his disciples the promise of fulfillment in his peace through the power of the Holy Spirit. Thus, when they went out into the world, they were at peace even when faced with persecution, ridicule, opposition and even suffering and pain. They also were equipped with the gift to speak to each person in their native language. I think this facet of how the disciples went forth proclaiming was a testimony to how the Lord God wishes us to hear him with the language that speaks to our origin, to our heart. The Lord wants us to feel at home in Him and to bring all the peoples of the world to their heavenly homeland. So as we reflect on the great gift of Pentecost and the gift of the Sacrament of Confirmation we should ask ourselves ‘Do we listen to the Lord with our heart? Do we follow His voice? Do we welcome others into the Church as we would welcome loved family members in to our homes when they are visiting. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to truly let our hearts be filled with zeal so that we might go out and renew the face of the earth.
