Today we celebrate the great day of Pentecost, when Christ filled the Church with the power of his Spirit and sent his followers out into the world to bring his peace, joy and mercy to all.

The First Reading tells the story of what happened on the first Pentecost. With the advent of the Holy Spirit, the disciples are filled with its power and the Church is born. The barrier of language between peoples is removed as the whole community hears the wonders of God’s message. The atmosphere is one of an exuberant and joyful new beginning.

The Psalmist is a person of deep faith who sees that nature bears the fingerprints of the Creator. God’s Spirit is also the Spirit of renewal of life.

Paul compares the imprisoning consequences of self-centeredness and self-indulgence with the life-giving fruits of the Spirit. He reminds the Galatians that it was the presence of the Spirit dwelling within them, who would guarantee that they live the true Christian life (Second Reading).

In the Gospel, Jesus promises that the Spirit – the Advocate – will come, and continue to be with them. He also invites his followers to begin to witness to the fullness of the Father’s message of love, with the guidance and companionship of the Advocate.

This week, let us pray for ourselves and for the Christian Church. We ask for a sense of rediscovery of what it means to be the people of God, and that our hearts and minds might be open to the Spirit of truth.