Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk
Pentecost Sunday – May 28, 2023
Readings: Acts 2:1-11; Responsorial Psalm Ps 104:1ab.29bc-30.31.34(R.30);
1 Cor 12:3b-7.12-13 & Gospel John 20:19-23.
Theme: A Pentecost of presence and peace!
Sunday Synopsis
The first reading recounts the miracle of Pentecost. In the second reading, St. Paul states that no one can say “‘Jesus is Lord’ unless he is under the influence of the Holy Spirit.” He goes ahead to stress that, “There is a variety of gifts but always [given by] the same Spirit.” The gospel narrates how Jesus appeared to the apostles on first day of the week with a message of peace twice. He then breathed on them and gave them the power to forgive sins in his name. We are charged to ensure a Pentecost of presence (of the holy spirit) and peace.
Introduction
Friends in Christ, Pentecost Sunday recalls the formation of the Church in 33AD, the variety of gifts with unity as an indispensable element in the Church, the manifestation of the Spirit among believers and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit in the sacraments. We must be mindful that “a sacrament is an outward sign of inward grace ordained by Christ.”
Coming exactly 50 days after Easter Sunday, today’s celebration reminds us that “we are freed from the slavery of death and sin by Easter” and “with the Apostles, we spend some time as toddlers under the tutelage of the risen Jesus; and when he has left, the Spirit comes down on us and we become a Church.”
Background and Summary of the Readings
The first reading (Acts 2:1-11) recounts the miracle of Pentecost. It tells how the Holy spirit descended on the apostles and they spoke in tongues. They had gathered in the upper room awaiting God’s promise after the Lord ascended into heaven. The miracle was that the apostles were able to hear the assembly preaching in their own (apostles’) language about the marvels of God.
In the second reading (1 Cor 12:3b-7.12-13), St. Paul states that no one can say “‘Jesus is Lord’ unless he is under the influence of the Holy Spirit.” He goes ahead to stress that, “There is a variety of gifts but always [given by] the same Spirit.” Comparing the unity of the Church with a human body which though has many parts but works in unison, he explains that by virtue of baptism, we share one Spirit and drink from the same chalice.
The gospel (John 20:19-23) narrates how Jesus appeared to the apostles on first day of the week with a message of peace twice. He then breathed on them and gave them the power to forgive sins in his name.
Pastoral Lessons
1. Use God’s gift wisely: Like the audience in the first reading, we are charged to put into use our individual God-given talents bearing in mind the gracious words of St. Paul: “what have you that has not been given you by the Lord and if it has been given you by the Lord, why brag about it?” (1 Corinthians 4:7).
2. Preserve unity: The second reading (1 Cor 12:3b-7.12-13) invites us to preserve the unbroken codes of unity in the Church from any schism akin to Martin Luther’s break away – reformation of 31 October 1517 which the Church in Germany is attempting to reenact in our time while ensuring that fraternity across the globe based on the fact that in heaven people of all tribes, tongues, peoples and nations (Revelations 7:9) will sing to the lamb in unison.
3. Stand on Jesus’ promises: Pentecost invites us to stand on the promises of Christ which never fail bearing in mind that God is able to do much than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20), through the help of the Holy Spirit which strengthens us (Cf. Philippians 4:13).
4. Celebrate the spirit’s abiding presence: As Catholics, we are proud to reiterate the fact that while the spirit may be in deficit elsewhere, from baptism, to holy eucharist, confirmation, anointing of the sick, penance which featured in the gospel, holy orders and matrimony, every sacraments is celebrated by the power of the holy spirit which Jesus promised will guide with the church until the end of time.
5. Be ambassadors of peace: By showing them his hands and his side in-between his message of peace, Jesus seems to weep over the current war between Ukraine and Russia just as he calls on civil and religious authorities to save lives and embrace peace.
Summary Lines
1. The first reading recounts the miracle of Pentecost.
2. In the second reading, St. Paul states that no one can say “‘Jesus is Lord’ unless he is under the influence of the Holy Spirit.”
3. He goes ahead to stress that, “There is a variety of gifts but always [given] the same Spirit.”
4. The gospel narrates how Jesus appeared to the apostles on first day of the week with a message of peace twice.
5. He then breathed on them and gave them the power to forgive sins in his name.
Conclusion
The story is told of a man whose cat fell into a shallow well. He had a sentimental attachment to his pet and made efforts to save it. Each time he tried to pull it out, the cat scratched him badly. His friend who came by tried to discourage him from saving the cat, stressing that the animal is too aggressive, and it should be allowed to die there. “If it is in the nature of the animal to be brutal, it is in my nature to be kind,” the man replied his friend. He tried the third time and rescued his pet – but of course with bruises.
By this compelling narrative, a Pentecost of presence (of the holy spirit) and peace has dawned upon us. The end of Easter season ushers us into the ordinary time of the year. We pray that the green liturgical colour marches our commitment to a new farming season. May the blessings of Pentecost Sunday renew the face of the earth and energise us to witness to Jesus without counting the cost. Have a great celebration!
