“Pentecost is celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples of Jesus after His Ascension. Pentecost is also the day in which the church was started. Since the spirit brings the church into existence and enlivens it. Thus, Pentecost is the church’s birthday.

As we celebrate Pentecost Sunday, we as, “the Church” are also celebrating our birthday. In today’s gospel the disciples were hiding on locked doors out of fear that those who crucified Jesus may come after them. Suddenly, Jesus came and said, “Peace be with you” and breathed the Holy Spirit upon them, however, He did not take them away in the room where they were hiding, but instead he sent them out into dangerous world and then he gives the gift of Holy spirit to create the courage to follow Jesus command.

With all the chaotic moments that are happening right now, we may find ourselves confused or fearful. Like the disciples we may want to lock our doors on a troubled world. Yet, chaos always calls us. However, God is always there for us. God will not remove us from challenges and difficulties, but rather, with the Holy Spirit, God comes to be with us.

The Holy spirit is not a kind of superhero sent to rescue us, but, the one who guides, encourages, strengthens and stays with us always. Receiving the holy spirit, the church receives Jesus. The greatest gift that we could receive and so, we receive Jesus, own capacity to make God manifests and bring light to the world.

We were given the gift of the holy spirit to have courage, to believe with the Lord, to serve God and others, and not for our self-interests. With the holy spirit on us we should ask the forgiveness of the Lord and forgive others. Today’s gospel reminds us of the greatest gift with each other in order to build the church and our communities with faith, hope, love and peace.

Source: Neo Jeremiah Voice of the Young Prophet June 4, 2017