The Feast of Pentecost

Last Sunday, we celebrated the Feast of Pentecost. We discussed the dramatic events of this day when Jesus fulfilled his promise to send the Holy Spirit to his disciples and all who believe. Key points:
– 40 days after the resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven (which we celebrate on Ascension Day)
– Before ascending,  Jesus promised that he would not leave us “comfortless” but send the Holy Spirit to strengthen and guide us.
– Ten days later, on the Day of Pentecost, Holy Spirit descended on the people gathered. (Pentecost is an ancient Jewish festival of the harvest, the name of which translates from the Hebrew as The Festival of Weeks).
-On the Day of Pentecost, the clergy wear red vestments to signify the work of the Spirit. We wear red to remind us of the power and fire of the spirit.

After our lesson, we headed to the Swan Garden, where we released 3000 bright red ladybugs, followed by a blessing of our garden. It was a wonderful way to conclude the Easter Season and a fantastic year of Faith Formation!

The Holy Spirit in our Lives
As we enter the summer months, how will we live well in light of the great gift we have been given through the Holy Spirit? How could we continue transforming ourselves and responding to that gift by assisting the growth of the Kingdom of God around us? Some ideas to consider:
• Tune your ear to references to the Holy Spirit in Scripture passages and the prayers of the liturgy.
• Do research the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and then choose one gift each week, asking the Holy Spirit to stir up that gift within you, which might help us live as Christ in the world.
• Think of one way you and your family could live in service of others each month in the summer and then prepare by taking time together as a family to ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen you in your work.

A Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.
And kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
And you will renew the face of the earth.

Lord,
by the light of the Holy Spirit
you have taught the hearts of your faithful.
In the same Spirit
help us to relish what is right
and always rejoice in your consolation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

The English translation of the Prayer to the Holy Spirit from A Book of Prayers © 1982, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. (ICEL).