Sunday Readings

Commentary and Reflections

Pentecost Sunday May 24, 2015

In preparation for this Sunday’s Liturgy

As aid in focusing our homilies and sharing

Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

1st reading: Acts 2,1-11

1 When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. 2 And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. 3 Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. 5 Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem. 6 At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7 They were astounded, and in amazement they asked, "Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how does each of us hear them in his own native language? 9 We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome, 11 both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God." The focus is on the Holy Spirit and the glossolalia.

1st reading: Acts 2,1-11

Setting 1 When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place

together.

Descent of the Holy Spirit 2 And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving

wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. 3 Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them.

Result: Speaking in tongues 4 And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in

different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. 5 Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in

Jerusalem. 6 At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language.

7 They were astounded, and in amazement they asked, "Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how does each of us hear them in his own native language? 9 We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome, 11 both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God."

A simple outline!

1st reading: Acts 2,1-11Setting 1 When the time for

Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together.

Descent of the Holy Spirit

2 And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. 3 Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them.

Result: Speaking in tongues

4 And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.

Commentary V.1 provides the setting of the descent

of the Holy Spirit: Time of Pentecost (50 days after

resurrection). For the Jews, it is called Shavuot, meaning weeks, the day after 7 weeks. It recalls the revelation of the Torah on Mt. Sinai. Here God is acknowledged as revealer.

In one place In V.2, the descent is sudden, in the

form of a noise like a strong wind (sound effect)

V.3 indicates the appearance of the Holy Spirit, as tongues of fire resting on each one.

V.4 says all of them are filled with the Holy Spirit.

Consequently, they begin to speak in different tongues (languages) as the Spirit allowed them to.

1st reading: Acts 2,1-11 5 Now there were devout Jews

from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem. 6 At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language.

7 They were astounded, and in amazement they asked, "Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how does each of us hear them in his own native language? 9 We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome, 11 both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God."

V.5 indicates the presence of the devout Jews (not just ordinary but God-fearing Jews), from different countries.

In v.6, they also gather together at the sound of the Holy Spirit.

They are thrown into confusion. (They can’t explain why the men from Galilee are talking in different languages now).

In v.7, they are astounded and in amazement, as they ask about the apostles’ origins hypothetically, which demands an affirmative answer.

V.8 states that each of the apostles speak in their native tongues.

Vv.9-10 enumerate the places, where the devout Jews come from.

V.11 expresses their amazement on the speaking in tongues/languages (glossolalia).

The content of the preaching (in tongues) of the apostles is the mighty acts of God (a kind of theophany as in Exodus).

Reflections on the 1st reading The Holy Spirit has also descended upon us,

Christians, through baptism and confirmation. Like the apostles, we have a mission. Mission work is primarily a proclamation. We proclaim what God has revealed / done for us,

not what we do to others, or, what others have done to us.

The ability to communicate God’s love to others is a sure sign of the Holy Spirit working in us.

What are the signs that the Holy Spirit has come to you?

Are you happy to tell stories how blessed have you been?

Resp. Ps 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34 R. (cf. 30) Lord, send out your Spirit, and

renew the face of the earth.

1 Bless the LORD, O my soul!O LORD, my God, you are great indeed!24 How manifold are your works, O Lord!the earth is full of your creatures;

29 May the glory of the LORD endure forever;may the LORD be glad in his works!30 Pleasing to him be my theme;I will be glad in the LORD.

31 If you take away their breath, they perishand return to their dust.34 When you send forth your spirit, they are created,and you renew the face of the earth.

Resp. Ps 104:1,24, 29-30, 31, 34 R. (cf. 30) Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.

1 Bless the LORD, O my soul!O LORD, my God, you are great indeed!24 How manifold are your works, O Lord!the earth is full of your creatures;

29 May the glory of the LORD endure forever;may the LORD be glad in his works!30 Pleasing to him be my theme;I will be glad in the LORD.

31 If you take away their breath, they perishand return to their dust.34 When you send forth your spirit, they are created,and you renew the face of the earth.

Commentary The psalm is classified as hymn of praise. In v.1, the psalmist blesses the Lord and

acknowledges God’s greatness. V.24 specifies God’s greatness: works

and all, that can be seen on the surface of the earth.

In v.29, the psalmist wishes God’s glory (greatness) to remain for ever and that the Lord be happy with his accomplishments (like us, humans).

In v.30, the psalmist is aware if he is happy in the Lord, he will be pleasing to God.

V.31 mentions the power of God over life. God is in-charge of our life and our death.

Death spells our return to the elements. In v.34, the psalmist makes a theological

statement: God sends his Spirit. Through his Spirit, all things are created

and renewed.

Reflections on the Psalm

We, Christians, must realize how much God’s Spirit works in us.

We cannot be created and renewed without God’s Spirit.

When there is no creativity and newness, the Spirit is absent.

When we are bored to death because we don’t see anything new and exciting, and we encounter the same things again and again, the Spirit is absent.

The Spirit is present when we re-create ourselves, improve our relationships and the quality of our lives (attitude and behavior), and when we start anew.

Are you contented with what is old and jurrassic? Do you feel re-created and renewed? Do you find life exciting?

2nd reading: 1 Cor 12,3-7.12-13 3 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. 4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; 5 there are different forms of service but the same Lord; 6 there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. 7 To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.

12 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. 13 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.

The focus is on the one Spirit.

2nd reading: 1 Cor 12,3-7.12-13

Utterance by the Holy Spirit 3 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.

Variety of spiritual gifts 4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the

same Spirit; 5 there are different forms of service but the same Lord; 6 there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. 7 To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.

Unity / Integration 12 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. 13 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.

A simple outline!

2nd reading: 1 Cor 12,3-7.12-13

Utterance by the Holy Spirit

3 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.

Commentary V.3 indicates that if we are

possessed by the spirit of the Lord (Holy Spirit), it is impossible for us to curse Jesus.

At the same time, we cannot say, “Jesus is Lord,” if we are not possessed by the Spirit.

The presence of the Spirit determines the kind of prayer we utter to Jesus.

2nd reading: 1 Cor 12,3-7.12-13

Variety of spiritual gifts

4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; 5 there are different forms of service but the same Lord; 6 there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. 7 To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.

V.4 affirms the different gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The different gifts come from one and the same source: the Holy Spirit.

Therefore, there should be no divisions.

V.5 is parallel to v.4. Many services but the same Lord.

V.6 continues the style. Many workings but the same God.

Notice the names referring to the same: Holy Spirit, Lord, and God (somehow Trinitarian).

In v.7, the Holy Spirit gives a particular gift to a particular individual for the benefit of others.

2nd reading: 1 Cor 12,3-7.12-13

Unity / Integration 12 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. 13 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.

V.12 talks about the unity of Christians.

We, Christians, are members of the same body, the body of Christ.

There is only one Christ. Therefore, there should also be one body.

V.13 indicates that we have one / common baptism.

We may come from different races, social and economic levels, but we are baptized in the same Spirit, we drink of one and the same Spirit.

Reflections on the 2nd reading

God has given us gifts (talents) according to our capacity.

We must not complain or get jealous, if other people are more brilliant or better than we.

Our abilities and capacities should serve the common good.

The variety of gifts (charisms) must be utilized in coordination with the other gifts.

We create division if we misuse our God-given talents, like competing with other members of the community.

Gospel reading: John 20,19-23

19 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." 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 (Jesus) said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the holy Spirit. 23 Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained."

We focus on the holy Spirit, although the focus of the text is Jesus’ appearance.

Gospel reading: John 20,19-23

Setting: Sunday, locked doors, greetings of peace 19 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."

20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.

Feelings of joy The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.

Greetings of peace and the Holy Spirit 21 (Jesus) said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the

Father has sent me, so I send you." 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said

to them, "Receive the holy Spirit. 23 Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained."

No feelings of joy (bakit kaya?)

The simple outline!

Gospel reading: John 20,19-23Setting: Sunday, locked doors,

greetings of peace 19 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."

20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.

Feelings of joy The disciples rejoiced when they

saw the Lord.

Greetings of peace and the Holy Spirit

21 (Jesus) said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you."

22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the holy Spirit. 23 Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained."

No more feelings of joy

Commentary The text describes Jesus’ appearance to the

apostles after his resurrection. It also describes the disposition of the apostles

after the death of Jesus and his appearance. V.19 provides the setting of the story of the

appearance of Jesus: Date: Sunday Venue: In a room, doors locked

Greetings: Peace be with you. In v.20, Jesus quickly shows his hands and side. They rejoice at his sight, not just at the sight of

his wounds. In v.21, Jesus repeats his greetings. Then he

adds, “I send you.” In v.22, following the pattern in v.20 (When he

had said this), Jesus breathes on them the Holy Spirit.

V.23 gives the reason for sending them, for giving them the Holy Spirit: forgiveness of sins.

The text does not describe their feelings. Ay!!

Quite intriguing!

Reflections on the gospel reading Like the apostles, we also have received

the Holy Spirit. We receive the Holy Spirit with a purpose. With the power of the Holy Spirit, we need

to preach and to forgive our brethren. We make the presence of the Holy Spirit

meaningless in our lives, when we are quiet about the gospel and when we do not do anything for Christ and for the Church.

Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm The first reading describes the descent of the Holy

Spirit upon the apostles. (public, people around noticed

it.)

The psalm recognizes the work of the Spirit in creation and renewal.

The second reading reiterates that the gifts come from the same Spirit. We have no right to be divided.

The gospel reading talks about Jesus’ breathing the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. (private)

How to develop your homily / sharing What is the role of the Holy Spirit in

our lives? Do we possess this Spirit? Do other spirits possess us? This Pentecost Sunday should remind

us of the importance of the Holy Spirit.

It is from the Holy Spirit that we draw inspiration.

In the first reading, the Holy Spirit makes us speak of the wonderful deeds of God.

It is through the Holy Spirit that we make ourselves understood by other people.

With the Holy Spirit, we can communicate to other cultures, religions and races.

The Holy Spirit makes other people wonder with our spirit-filled (inspiring) behavior.

If you inspire other people to praise God, you are possessed by the Holy Spirit.

The second reading teaches us that we owe our gifts and talents to the Holy Spirit.

We should use them for the good of the community (common good).

Though we have varied gifts, we should be united. Never should our talents be sources of division in our

communities. Unity does not mean having the same talents and

doing the same things with same quality or quantity. The variety of gifts must stand at the disposal of the

various needs of the Church.

If other people do not see anything good (talent) in you, because you are hiding it or have no drive to perform, you are not making the Holy Spirit work in you.

In the gospel reading, the Holy Spirit is sent to us to assist us in our mission.

Our mission is to preach the Word of God and to impart forgiveness.

We cannot be effective missionaries if we do not possess the Holy Spirit.

Christians should show that they possess the Holy Spirit by their reverent Christian behavior.

Can you speak of the gospel from your heart, without feeling awkward?

Can you forgive your brothers and sisters who have offended you? Show mercy.

In the Church, there are many charismatic groups.

Their mission is to help renew the Church. They have drawn wayward Catholics back to

the fold.

But some charismatic groups put themselves in opposition to the “institutional Church.”

Without proper guidance, they can go into different directions and disintegrate later.

Not only talents (charisma) can be the source of their own division, but also money and power.

When they talk more about money and their organizational problems, they are courting disaster and soon they will lose their relevance in the Church.

In the Church, many organizations and individuals need to be exorcized, because another kind of spirit (evil spirit, spirit of individualism, rivalry, gossiping, slandering, and cynism) takes hold of them.

They do not follow their own rules (refusal to pay their dues, refusal to take responsibility, absentee, forever a counselee, refusal to recognize their leaders).

You can see in their long and unhappy faces, that nothing good is happening to them.

They are a pain in the neck of the community, of the priests and bishops.

Many of the so-called Catholic charismatics do not go to confession. They are influenced by the born-again Christians.

They don’t receive holy communion any more and other sacraments.

They do not help renew the Church, but stifle the growth of their hapless members.

The eucharist is a Spirit-filled celebration. The participation in the eucharist is our

response to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

In the mass, we unite ourselves with one another and with Christ.

In the eucharist, we ask the Holy Spirit to guide us, enlighten us, enliven us in our mission.

Our Context of Sin and Grace

“Monopoly” of the Spirit Pretending to possess

the Spirit Divisive Sowing intrigues Jealousy Refusal to create and to

renew Refusal to attend

ongoing formations Charlatan

Renewal groups and movements

Spiritual exercises Renewal programs Ongoing formations Updated,formed and

high quality speakers and resource persons

Good communications United with Christ in his

Word and Sacrament

Suggested Songs

Veni, Creator Spiritus The Spirit is a-Movin’ The Spirit of God Come Holy Ghost Come Holy Spirit