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Message from the desk of the Pastor:

THE FEAST OF PENTECOST

Sunday, May 24, 2026

Gospel Reading 

John 20:19-23

Jesus appears to his disciples and gives them the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Background on the Gospel Reading

The Season of Easter concludes with today’s celebration, the Feast of Pentecost.    On Pentecost we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles    gathered in the upper room in Jerusalem; this event marks the beginning of the Church. The story of Pentecost is found in the Acts of the Apostles, today’s first reading. The account in today’s Gospel, John 20:19-23, also recounts how Jesus  gave the gift of the Holy Spirit to his disciples. Yet the event in John’s Gospel takes place on Easter Sunday. There is no need to try to reconcile these two accounts. It    is enough that we know that after his death, Jesus fulfilled his promise to send to    his disciples a helper, an advocate, who would enable them to be his witnesses throughout the world.

We already heard today’s Gospel proclaimed on the Second Sunday of Easter          this year (Lectionary Cycle A). That Gospel passage, however, also included the description of Jesus’ appearance to Thomas. In that context, we were led reflect      on belief and unbelief.

In the context of the Feast of Pentecost, John 20:19-23 reminds us about the    integral connection between the gifts of peace and forgiveness and the action          of the Holy Spirit. Jesus greets his disciples with the gift of peace. Jesus then commissions his disciples to continue the work that he has begun, “As the Father  has sent me, so I send you.” He breathes the Holy Spirit upon the disciples and    sends them to continue his work of reconciliation through the forgiveness of sins. Jesus’ act of breathing the Holy Spirit mirrors God’s act of breathing life into Adam    at the time of Creation. In fact, both the Greek and Hebrew words for “spirit” can    also be translated as “breath.”

This Gospel reminds us that the Church is called to be a reconciling presence in the world. The reconciling presence of Christ is celebrated in the Church’s sacramental life. In the Sacrament of Baptism, we are cleansed of sin and become a new creation in Christ. In the Sacrament of Penance, the Church celebrates the mercy of God through the forgiving of sins. This reconciling presence is also to be a way of life      for Christians. In situations of conflict, we are to be agents of peace and harmony among people.

Family Connection

Pentecost is sometimes called the birthday of the Church. The Gospel for Pentecost reminds us that the Church begins with the command to forgive. Within the family, the domestic Church, we learn how to forgive and how to accept forgiveness. The  gift of the Holy Spirit enables us to do both. Today is a fitting time to share a family celebration of reconciliation.

As you gather together as a family, sit quietly for a few minutes, inviting everyone to reflect upon their need to forgive and to receive forgiveness. If there is a situation or an issue within the family that needs attention, spend some time reflecting on how your family might address it. Read together today’s Gospel, John 20:19-23. Talk together about how Jesus gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us in the work    of forgiveness and to bring us peace. Pray together today’s Psalm or the Prayer to  the Holy Spirit, asking that the Holy Spirit help your family. Share with one another      a Sign of Peace.