Pentecost marks the official birth of the Church. The result of the reception of the Holy Spirit was immediate. The Apostles’ fear gave way to courage. Filled with the Spirit, they went out to proclaim the Risen Lord, even if that meant undergoing persecution and death. St. Stephen the martyr is the first example of such courage. They were given the gift of language, which enabled them to go and proclaim Christ in different parts of the world. In the Gospel Jesus said, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you. Receive the Holy Spirit.” (Jn. 20:21)
We too have received this mandate from the Lord through our Baptism and Confirmation.

With Pentecost, the Holy Spirit is now in the world, and in his Spirit, Jesus is always present among us. Through our Baptism and Confirmation, the Holy Spirit is also within us. The presence of the Spirit within us should make us courageous to proclaim the Good News of Jesus to the world today. Let us ask, do we, as Christians, stand up for our Christian beliefs and values, in the midst of a materialistic and
unbelieving world? Does our life-style serve as a counter-sign to the world’s worship of wealth,
power and fame? Do we live in love with one another? Do we strive to spread harmony and peace
in a troubled and divided society?

Happy Feast of Pentecost!

Fr. Sunny Punnakuziyil, MSFS
Pastor, SJN