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Readings for Pentacost Sunday
Acts 2:1-11; 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7,12-13; John 20:19-23
On this Pentecost weekend I am meeting with the Confirmation candidates from our parish and their sponsors. During part of the meeting we reflect on these readings that speak of the presence of the Holy Spirit. This gathering is somewhat like the scene described in the first reading, They were all in one place together, waiting for the spirit to fill them.
A few years ago, one of the Confirmation candidates wrote this about his experience of preparing for Confirmation.
". . . I did not fully realize what confirmation was. I did not realize the permanent commitment that was made. But (after what I've learned) about living a life of love, I realized I could not allow myself to just walk up the aisle and say a few words. I am ready to try to live up to the challenge. So I will walk up the aisle and walk into a life of love."
Incredible insight for a 13 year old. These words express what might have been in the minds of the apostles or within us as we reflect on the meaning of this great feast. Two things result from being anointed with the Spirit: challenge and action.
Can we say that we are so transformed by the Spirit that we are willing to dedicate ourselves to living a life of love? Called by name at Baptism to be followers of Christ, we are sometimes huddled in fear. We are afraid of what we are capable of doing if we live out our call to its fullest. We must trust in the promise of Jesus that the presence of the Spirit will give us the strength to struggle against obstacles and the courage to engage in action in the name of Jesus.
How do we prepare to live out this commitment? We must identify the unique gifts we have been given that will enable us to do the work of the Spirit. This is not always easy. Others may see our gifts better than we. We must seek the grace of their wisdom. When we see certain gifts in others we must encourage them, as Paul did, to use them in service of the community. It is this common service which will unite us and bring God's reign. During the octave of Pentecost, take some time to reflect on and identify your gifts.
In the Gospel we hear the commission, "As the Father has sent me, so I send you." Knowing what an impossible task this is for any person Jesus breathes and says, "Receive the Holy Spirit." Filled with the Holy Spirit we are sent to heal the brokenhearted, comfort those who mourn, bring good news to the poor, release to prisoners, and bring new life to people who live in the shadow of death. This is what the feast of Pentecost reminds us of each year-being willing to live a life of love, supported by the Spirit, sharing our gifts generously.
In her book Living Liturgy, Sofia Cavalletti, the foundress of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, makes this observation:
If baptism produces an internal illumination, confirmation changes it into a beacon's light. If baptism lights a lamp within us, with confirmation this lamp is lifted up onto a lampstool, that is, put to the benefit of the community."
On this feast of Pentecost, let us renew our baptismal commitment. Let us join with the confirmand and commit ourselves to living a life of love. Let us lift high the light that began in us so long ago. Let us put it on a lamp stand so that all the world will benefit from our goodness.
Christine Ondrla
Christine Ondrla is the director of Religious Education for Ascension Parish.
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