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Message from the desk of the Pastor:

PENTECOST SUNDAY

Sunday, June 8, 2025

Gospel Reading 

John 20:19-23

Jesus appears to his disciples and gives them the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Background on the Gospel Reading

The season of Easter concludes with today's celebration, the feast of Pentecost.      On Pentecost we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles    gathered in the upper room in Jerusalem; this event marks the beginning of the Church. The story of Pentecost is found in the Acts of the Apostles, today's first reading. The account in today's Gospel, taken from the Gospel of John, also    recounts how Jesus gave the gift of the Holy Spirit to his disciples. There is no      need to try to reconcile these two accounts to each other. It is enough to know      that, after his death, Jesus fulfilled his promise to send to his disciples a helper,        an advocate, who would enable them to be his witnesses throughout the world.

We previously heard today's Gospel on the second Sunday of Easter. At that time,    we also heard the passage that follows, which describes Jesus' appearance to Thomas. In that context, we were led to reflect on belief and unbelief.

In the context of the feast of Pentecost, this reading reminds us about the integral connection between the gifts of peace and forgiveness and the action of the Holy Spirit. Jesus greets his disciples with the gift of peace. Jesus then commissions      his disciples to continue the work that he has begun, “As the Father has sent me,      so I send you.” As he breathes the Holy Spirit upon them, Jesus sends his disciples  to continue his work of reconciliation through the forgiveness of sins.

This Gospel reminds us that the Church is called to be a reconciling presence in the world. This reconciling presence of Christ is celebrated in the Church's sacramental life. In the Sacrament of Baptism, we are washed clean from sin and become a new creation in Christ. In the Sacrament of Penance, the Church celebrates the mercy of God in forgiving sins. This reconciling presence is also to be a way of life for Christians. In situations of conflict, we are to be agents of peace and harmony  among people.

Family Connection

Pentecost is sometimes called the birthday of the Church. The Gospel for Pentecost reminds us that the Church begins with the command to forgive. Within the family, the domestic Church, we learn how to forgive and we learn to accept forgiveness. It  is the gift of the Holy Spirit that enables us to do both. Today is a fitting time to share a family celebration of reconciliation.

As you gather together as a family, sit quietly for a few minutes, inviting all to reflect upon their need to forgive and to receive forgiveness. If there is a situation or issue within the family that needs attention, spend some time reflecting upon the concern and how your family might address it. Read together today's Gospel, John 20:19-23. Talk together about how Jesus gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us in the work of forgiveness and to bring us peace. Pray together today's psalm, or the    Prayer to the Holy Spirit, asking that the Holy Spirit help your family. Share with        one another the sign of peace.