SOCL, PentecostB
- Admin
- May 17, 2024
- 2 min read
Sunday May 19, 2024
I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth from the Father.
See
It is often forgotten that Pentecost is first of all a Jewish feast, actually a harvest festival. That sense of “in gathering” is also a theme of our Christian Pentecost, as we see the beginning of the church. By the time of Jesus, Shavuot—to give it its Hebrew name—also marked the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai. This also fits our Christian Shavuot as long as we recall that Law, Torah, meant instruction and indeed a whole way of life under God’s grace and guidance. It was always interior and the descent of the Holy Spirit takes this inner reality to new levels.
Listen
Reflect
(John 15:26-27; 16:12-1)
-Jesus recognized that his disciples were not capable of taking in everything at once. Wisdom about life comes slowly and sometimes painfully. Hearing the ‘right’ answer at the ‘wrong’ time does not help us. We need to be ready and open to receiving the truth if it is to have any impact. Perhaps you can recall some occasions when it was the ‘right’ time for you to learn a truth about life. Remember your experiences of growing in understanding and truth.
-Perhaps the Spirit guided you through the words of someone close to you, or through the words and actions of people you read about or saw on TV. Understanding may have come to you when you were praying or reflecting on your life. Remember and give thanks for the people who have helped you to greater wisdom in life.
-Jesus said the Spirit would ‘glorify’ him by reminding the disciples of Jesus’ own teaching. To whom do you give glory by taking their wisdom and incorporating it in your life? Are there people who give you glory by using your wise advice in their lives?
-Wisdom is handed on from person to person, and from generation to generation, within families, within communities, etc. Are there any particular gems of wisdom that you cherish from what has been handed on to you? What wisdom would you like most of all to pass on to those close to you?
Pray
Send down, O God, upon your people the flame of your Holy Spirit, and fill with the abundance of your sevenfold gift the Church you brought forth from your Son’s pierced side. May your life-giving Spirit lend fire to our words and strength to our witness. Send us forth to the nations of the world to proclaim with boldness your wondrous work of raising Jesus from the dead. Amen.
Act
-Embrace Community Gather with family, friends, or community groups to share meals and support each other, fostering a sense of togetherness.
-Seek Guidance Regularly seek wisdom and guidance through reading, mentorship, or educational programs, and reflect on how these teachings shape your actions.
-Cultivate Inner Spirituality Dedicate time to spiritual practices like prayer or meditation, and focus on developing inner qualities like love and patience, letting them guide your daily actions.
References
-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2024ar, May 19). Pentecost Sunday - Mass during the Day. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/pentecost-sunday-mass-during-day
-Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings/
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