John 14: 8-17, 25-27
INTRODUCTION
Last week, forty days after Easter, the Church celebrated the Feast of the Ascension, which marks the end of Jesus' earthly mission. He ascended to the Father. However, he had promised the disciples an Advocate. Today, we celebrate the fulfillment of this promise through the Feast of Pentecost. So, Easter, Ascension, and Pentecost are intimately linked and are part of the dynamics of salvation history. Allow me to depart from my usual format and present a four-part sermon.
I- A RETROSPECTIVE LOOK AT THE EVENT OF THE ASCENSION
Origin. The word ascension etymologically comes from the verb "ascendere," which means "to ascend." In this case, it more precisely means "to ascend into heaven." Jesus left the human world to return to his Father, our Father.
Definition. We therefore understand that Christian life includes a human and material dimension, but also a divine and spiritual dimension. In this sense, the Ascension is a prefiguration of what we are called to become.
Meaning. In other words, the Ascension reminds us of our Christian identity. We are citizens in the city of mankind, but also candidates for citizenship in the city of God. I say "candidates" because we must work hard to be elected.
II- MEANING OF PENTECOST
Origin of Pentecost. The word Pentecost comes from the Greek [pentèkostè] which means 50. It is celebrated 50 days after Easter. Originally, it was a Jewish festival, an agricultural festival that became a religious celebration. It is also called the Feast of Weeks or the Feast of First fruits.
Definition of Pentecost. In the Christian liturgy, the feast of Pentecost is of paramount importance. It corresponds to the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles as Jesus had promised them on the day of the Ascension.
Significance of Pentecost. Pentecost is considered the founding event of the Church. The apostles were not left orphans. The Spirit was imparted to them to continue in the world the work that the Master had begun.
III- GOD'S WORD FOR TODAY
First Reading: Acts 2:1-21. This is the official account of the event. The Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles in the form of tongues of fire. The descent of the Spirit is described as a theophany. A sound from heaven is heard like a rushing mighty wind. Tongues of fire rest upon each of them. They began to speak in tongues, each of them understood in his own language. The Jews were astonished.
Second Reading: Rom 8:14-17. The Epistle to the Romans, attributed to Paul, distinguishes between the works of the flesh and those of the Spirit. If we are led by the Spirit of God, we become adopted sons of God, heirs of the Kingdom, and joint heirs with Christ. As such, we share in His sufferings and glory.
The Gospel: John 14:8-17, 25-27. In chapter 14 of John's Gospel, Jesus teaches the disciples that He is the way that leads to the Father. If they remain faithful to His teachings, the Father will send them the Spirit. The Paraclete will remain with them forever and teach them all things. He will also remind them of what He had taught them.
IV- THE TEACHINGS OF PENTECOST
Pentecost teaches us unity in diversity. Pentecost establishes a unity of language among the participants in the event. We wonder why there are so many religious denominations that claim to be Christ-like and yet do not speak the same language. Pentecost is a wonderful opportunity for us to open up to others and organize activities to promote interreligious dialogue and foster ecumenism in our communities, as you have already begun to do so successfully.
Pentecost also teaches us that we are heirs of the Kingdom. As you know, Christ's life was not a smooth ride. He encountered resistance, opposition, and rejection. He experienced suffering and death. To repeat one of my theology professors, Jesus' journey is a journey of blood. As adopted sons, we must be aware that the path leading to the inheritance for which we are all working passes through misunderstanding, refusal to collaborate, insults, and sometimes suffering.
Pentecost finally teaches us that we are missionaries. Jesus ascended to the Father. He entrusted the apostles with the mission of continuing his work. He gave them an advocate, a defender, the Holy Spirit. The church was born that day. Today, that church is us, who received the Spirit at the moment of our baptism. By celebrating the feast of Pentecost today, we accept the mission of continuing the work of Jesus in our family, in our church and in our community. In short, Pentecost reminds us that we are in our world messengers of the Good News.
CONCLUSION
Let us ask the Lord, on this feast of Pentecost, to pour out the gifts of His Holy Spirit upon each of us so that we may be visible signs of His presence in the world. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
