Father Michael's Thoughts This Week

WEEKLY THOUGHTS 

PENTECOST SUNDAY MAY 24, 2026

Dear Friends, 

 Welcome to the celebration of Pentecost Sunday. Last Sunday, we celebrated the Ascension of the Lord Jesus to the glory of his Father. Jesus returned to his Father’s glory after completion of his mission of bringing salvation to mankind from sin, evil and death through suffering, death and glorious resurrection. Jesus had promised to send the Holy Spirit to be with his disciples in the task of evangelization from Jerusalem to the end of the earth. Indeed, the work of the Holy Spirit has been effective in the mission of the Church.

 Pentecost Sunday celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles who officially went to announce the resurrection, and salvation Jesus offers to mankind. The first Reading Acts 2: 1-11 gives us the account of the first Pentecost as experienced by the Apostles and disciples of Jesus. “They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages and there appeared tongues of fire rested on everyone in the room.” (Acts 2: 3-4)

 The Gospel John 20: 19-23 describes Jesus’ appearance to the 12 after the resurrection with a greeting; “Peace be with you.” Jesus gives the gifts of peace, forgiveness and the Holy Spirit to his disciples to as an instrument in the task of evangelization; “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold I am with you always until the end of the age.” Matthew 28: 19-20.

 Besides making disciples, they had to bring reconciliation and forgiveness among the people- a role of the Holy Spirit closely connected with the sacrament of Reconciliation. This is a special gift to the Church. St Paul calls upon all people to bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit; “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Gal 5:22-23)

 Pentecost Sunday concludes the celebration of the Easter season. Let us endeavor to bear the fruits of the Spirit in our lives. Next Sunday is the celebration of the Three Persons of the Trinity; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 

 Have a safe and happy Memorial Day and a great week.