Daily Readings - Sun May 19 2024
Acts
1When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.2Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.3They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.4All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.5Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven.6When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language.7Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans?8Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language?9Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,10Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome11(both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs--we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!"
First Reading - 1 Corinthians 12.3b-7, 12-13 or Galatians 5.16-25
1 Corinthians
3Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.4There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.5There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.6There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.7Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.12The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.13For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
Galatians
16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Gospel - John 20.19-23 or John 15.26-27; 16.12-15
John
19On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!"20After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.21Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."22And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.23If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."
John
12"I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear.13But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.14He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you.15All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known 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.