Daily Readings - Sun May 19 2024
Acts
1When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.2And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.3And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them.4And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.5Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven.6And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language.7And they were amazed and astonished, saying, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans?8And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?9Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,10Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome,11both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians--we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God."
First Reading - 1 Corinthians 12.3b-7, 12-13 or Galatians 5.16-25
1 Corinthians
3Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says "Jesus is accursed!" and no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except in the Holy Spirit.4Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit;5and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord;6and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.7To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.12For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.13For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--Jews or Greeks, slaves or free--and all were made to drink of one Spirit.
Galatians
16But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.17For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.19Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,20idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions,21envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.24And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.25If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.
Gospel - John 20.19-23 or John 15.26-27; 16.12-15
John
19On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."20When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.21Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you."22And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit.23If you forgive the sins of anyone, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld."
John
12"I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.13When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.14He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.15All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. In the Acts of the Apostles, we witness the dramatic event of Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles, empowering them to speak in various languages. This moment marks the birth of the Church, as the Spirit breaks down barriers and unites people from diverse backgrounds. The context of this event is significant, occurring during a Jewish festival, symbolizing the universal mission of the Church. The apostles, once hiding in fear, are now emboldened to proclaim the Gospel, illustrating the Spirit's ability to overcome human limitations.
In the second reading from Corinthians, Paul emphasizes that while spiritual gifts may vary, they all originate from the same Spirit. This unity in diversity is crucial for the functioning of the Church as the body of Christ. Each member has a unique role, yet together they form one body. The context here is Paul addressing a church divided by rivalries, reminding them that their unity is found in the Spirit. This teaches us that our differences are not weaknesses but strengths when recognized through the lens of the Spirit.
The Gospel from John shows Jesus appearing to the disciples after His resurrection. He bestows peace upon them and breathes the Holy Spirit, commissioning them to forgive sins. This act underscores the Spirit's role in continuing Jesus' mission. The context is one of fear and uncertainty among the disciples, but Jesus' presence and the gift of the Spirit transform them into confident witnesses.
These readings interconnect through the theme of the Holy Spirit. Pentecost initiates the Spirit's outpouring, Corinthians explains the Spirit's role in unity, and John depicts the Spirit's commissioning power. Together, they reveal the Spirit's essential role in empowering, unifying, and sending forth the Church.
Applying this to our daily lives, we are reminded that the Holy Spirit is ever-present, helping us overcome fears and limitations. We should embrace our unique gifts and use them for the community's benefit. Being open to the Spirit's guidance allows us to live with purpose and serve others selflessly.
In reflection, the Church is one body with diverse members, each vital to its mission. The Holy Spirit gives us peace and sends us forth to share God's love and forgiveness. Let us trust in the Spirit's power, embracing our mission to be Christ's presence in the world.