Today, united with Christians throughout the world, we joyfully conclude our celebration of Easter.

For the Jewish people Pentecost was a feast of thanksgiving that marked the conclusion of the spring harvest and the commemoration of the giving of the Torah on Mt Sinai. It was celebrated 50 days after Passover. Pentecost is a Greek word that means “50th day.”

For the first Christians gathered in Jerusalem, the experience of the energy of the Holy Spirit at work in their lives gave new meaning to Pentecost. God would be present not in words carved in stone but in a whole new way of thinking and living inspired by Jesus. And just as the old feast was a way of thanking God for a rich harvest from the
fields, now the new Pentecost celebrates the abundance of God’s gifts through so many gifts of the Holy Spirit. On Pentecost, we conclude Easter by acknowledging the ways that Risen Christ bestows gifts, talents, and charisms upon our community. Today is acknowledged as the birth of the church, since it is the day when the frightened and confused disciples emerged from the upper room, boldly proclaiming the mighty acts of God through the crucified and risen Lord.

On a liturgical note, the Mass vestments of the day are red, signifying the fiery energy of the Holy Spirit. And, after Sunday’s final Mass, the Paschal Candle will be removed from the entrance to the sanctuary and placed next to the baptismal font, marking the end of the Easter Season.

Pentecost is an invitation to reflect: In what ways have we been gifted and blessed? How am I as a Catholic being called to use my specific talents and gifts to build up the Body of Christ? How might the Holy Spirit be calling the community of Our Lady of Good Counsel to work and pray in new ways?

Let us pray for an openness to the paths on which the Holy Spirit is leading us.