Pentecost - The Spirit is poured out …

This Sunday, we celebrate with our Church the great feast of Pentecost. We remember the disciples, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, gathered together after Jesus’ death. For fifty days, they were gathered in fear, not knowing what they were to do after the death of their leader and teacher, and waiting for a sign as Jesus had promised.

Pentecost Sunday reminds us that waiting is a common experience, one with which we are all familiar, one that bonds us as human beings. We are a people called to wait. We are called to wait in the midst of divisions, injustice, and even joyful excitement. How patient we have to be in order to eventually experience the joy and fruits of our waiting. 

Another great message of Pentecost is that of the great gift of the Holy Spirit that Jesus sent, as he promised. The Spirit is renewed in our lives each time we receive the sacraments, but most especially at the time of our Baptism and Confirmation. Often referred to as the paraclete and advocate, the Holy Spirit guides our lives toward goodness and truth in God. We are gifted with the strength and wisdom to live in the way Jesus showed us - lives of love, compassion and service. 

With grateful hearts, we recently witnessed the confirming, the bestowing of the Holy Spirit, of many of our St Brigid’s Year 6 students and those of the wider Lumen Christi Parish. At this time of Pentecost, we recall and give thanks for the great gift of the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives and those of our children.

Our prayer at Pentecost: 

May we come to trust the Word of God in our heart, to speak it with courage, to follow it faithfully, and to fan it to flame in others. Through Jesus, our Lord. Amen.