Dear John,

Happy Feast of Pentecost – the birthday of the Church!  The outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles on Pentecost completes the seven weeks of Eastertide.  We hope your Easter journey has increased your faith in, and love for, God.

The readings for the Feast of Pentecost can be found here:

First reading: Acts 2:1-11

Psalm: 104:1, 24, 29-31, 34

Second reading: 1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13

Gospel:  John 20:19-23

Here is a link to today's daily readings. 

Volumes have been written about the Holy Spirit over the centuries, yet the mystery of this Third Person of the Holy Trinity remains ever fresh and inexhaustible. 

In today’s first reading the descent of the Holy Spirit is associated with a rushing wind and tongues of flame.  The Spirit “fills” both the house and each person in it.  In today’s Gospel, Jesus breathes on the apostles saying “Receive the Holy Spirit.”    Yet, Who is this Spirit?  

References to the Holy Spirit run through the Scriptures like a rare and beautiful thread, from Genesis 1:2 where the “Spirit of God was moving over the face of the waters” through the Old Testament prophets, to the Annunciation, to Jesus’ baptism.  From Jesus’ rejection in the Nazareth synagogue to His final discourse at the Last Supper. From the Resurrection and to the day we celebrate today.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church makes a very interesting statement:

“…the Spirit does not speak of himself.  The Spirit who ‘has spoken through the prophets’ makes us hear the Father’s Word, but we do not hear the Spirit himself.  We know him only in the movement by which he reveals the Word to us and disposes us to welcome him in faith.”   Catechism of the Catholic Church 687.

The Holy Spirit, then, remains “behind the scenes”, moving, inspiring, empowering.  He truly is, as the Nicene Creed states “The Lord and Giver of Life Who proceeds from the Father and the Son.” Let us adore and glorify Him!

Among EWTN’s faith-filled programs to inspire you this week: 

(All programming times listed are Eastern): 

June 9^th 4:00 AM and 12:00 PM.   Solemn Mass of Pentecost from Rome.  Live from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Pope Francis presides over the Solemn Mass of Pentecost.  It’s followed by the Regina Caeli, one of the four Marian antiphons recited throughout Eastertide.

June 9^th 2:00 PM.  Meditations on Pentecost.  Fr. Andrew Apostoli’s meditations explore the spiritual connections surrounding Pentecost, the birthday of the Church, and the graces bestowed upon Christians by the action of the Holy Spirit.

June 9^th 12:00 AM and June 14^th 8:00 PM.   India’s Christians.  Prominent leaders of the Church examine the current state of Christians in India to see how the country’s third largest religion keeps the faith in a society dominated by Hinduism.

May the Holy Spirit remain with you always,

Father Joseph Mary Wolfe, MFVA

EWTN Global Catholic Network