Today, May 19, the church celebrates the Solemnity of Pentecost.
This event gives us the opportunity to experience the birth of the Church. The Book of Acts tells us that fifty days after the Passover, in the house where Jesus' disciples were staying, "suddenly there was a noise from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind... And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:1-2). The disciples were completely transformed by this outpouring: their fear was replaced by courage, their reticence gave way to proclamation, and all doubt was banished by faith full of love. This is the "baptism" of the Church, which thus began its journey in history, sustained by the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit poured into the hearts of the disciples on the day of Pentecost is the beginning of a new era: an era of witness and brotherhood. This era began from above, from God, as tongues of flame descended on the heads of each of the disciples. It was the flame of love that burns away all cruelty; it was the language of the Gospel that overcomes the boundaries set by men and touches the hearts of the multitude, without distinction of language, race or nationality. Just as on that day of Pentecost, today the Holy Spirit is continually poured out on the Church and on each one of us, so that we may emerge from our mediocrity and insularity and proclaim the merciful love of the Lord to the whole world: this is our mission! The "tongue" of the Gospel and the "fire" of the Holy Spirit have also been given to us, so that by proclaiming the risen Jesus, alive and present among us, we may kindle our own hearts, as well as the hearts of the nations, bringing them closer to Him, who is the way, the truth and the life.
SEQUENCE.
Oh, come to us, Holy Spirit,
and a ray of heaven sent
the light of the sunset.
Oh, come, Father of the orphans.
Oh, come, Benefactor of goods.
Oh, come, light of heart.
The Comforter is the true Comforter,
Bright Guest of humble souls,
and the coolness is gentle.
A quiet respite from labor,
a fresh breeze on a sweltering day,
in weeping comfort.
O blessed Light of Heaven,
fill the hearts of Thy
faithful admirers.
Without Thy command
there is no good help for us,
there is no defense against evil.
Wash away the unclean,
irrigate the withered,
heal the sick.
Soften the cruel,
warm your chill,
guide the lost.
Give to all who read
trust is firm,
sevenfold holiness.
Give me the reward of the marvelous,
give me a life-saving outcome,
give eternal bliss.
Amen.
