THE WORD

FIRST READING Acts 2: 1–11

When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fi re, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.

Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem. At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. They were astounded, and in amazement they asked, “Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans? Then how does each of us hear them in his own native language? We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome, both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God.”

 

SECOND READING: 1 Cor 12: 3–7.12–13

Therefore, I tell you that nobody speaking by the spirit of God says, “Jesus be accursed.”  And no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the holy Spirit. There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone.  To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.

As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.

 

GOSPEL: Jn 20: 19–23

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”

 

IN OTHER WORDS

While trying to save expenses the contractor, who was building the rst institute for the blind, decided not to put windows in the building. He thought the blind would not mind, since they could not see the windows anyway.

When the blind inhabited the beautiful building, however, many got sick, depressed and restless; and two died. After the death of the two patients, windows were installed and suddenly life bloomed. Sadness disappeared. Health returned. Sunshine and fresh air filled the building. (Apalisok, Markings on the Desert)

On Pentecost day the Holy Spirit blew his breath to the cowering apostles. And they were filled with life and power, life full of meaning and mission, power to heal and forgive sins, and power to proclaim the Gospel and God’s kingdom at the risk even of their lives.

Far from the world’s understanding of power, however, which is usually akin to violence, the Holy Spirit gives a gentle sort of power. St. Paul would write, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy and peace, patience, understanding, kindness, fidelity, gentleness and self-control.” (Gal 5)

In the sacrament of initiation (baptism & confirmation) we have received the Holy Spirit. If we live by the Spirit life and power will be ours. And if ultimately the Spirit is in us this same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead, will bring us to eternity.

  • Fr. Atilano Corcuera, SVD | DWST, Tagaytay City

The Word in other words 2016

An annual project of Logos Publications, The WORD in Other Words Bible Diary contains daily scripture readings and reflections written by priest, brothers, and sisters of the three congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen (the SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP). It hopes to serve as a daily companion to readers who continually seek the correlation of the Word of God and human experience.