Pentecost Solemnity
Also Read: Mass Readings for 28 May 2023
First Reading: Acts 2: 1-11
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. (1)
The apostles lived in unity and only in Unity, does the Holy Spirit come and dwell in us. Then, even when strangers speak in an unknown language; their meaning is understood! (8)
We ask the Lord to grant us this unity with him and among his children. Amen!
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 104: 1, 24, 29-31, 34
O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. (24)
When you send forth your spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the ground. (30)
Amen!
Second Reading: First Corinthians 12: 3b-7, 12-13
To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (7)
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. (12)
We the church of Christ are one but individually we possess the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We must remember that these gifts are for the common good and not our selfish gain. The more we work in communion with our brothers and sisters, the more we will actualize these gifts.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Gospel: John 20: 19-23
When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” (19)
If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” (23)
On this Pentecost Sunday, Christ our Lord comes into our closed rooms (where we have retreated) to bring us Peace. The Peace he gives surpasses all human understanding, as it builds up our courage and joy. Like the apostles that day, let us rejoice in the Lord and His Works.
Jesus Christ also instituted the sacrament of reconciliation, that day. As soon as he had breathed on them, he commissions them to forgive sins. When there is repentance, we can receive and offer reconciliation.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!
