Acts 2:1-11; Psalm 103(104); 1 Corinthians 12:3-7,12-13; John 20:19-23
Pentecost was less understood by Christians than the other two Jewish pilgrimage feasts of Passover and Tabernacles. Then the Dead Sea Scrolls showed that Pentecost was associated with God giving the Covenant on Sinai, and enrolling new community members. The coming of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles fits neatly with this Covenant feast.
The Psalm calls us to praise God’s creative wisdom. Filled with wonder at the details of God’s glorious works, this psalm is well worth reading in full.
Acts tells us that they “had all met”, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. Wind and fire remind us of Sinai. The list of peoples who hear is effectively the programme for the mission now starting.
After rebuking the Corinthians for their factions and giving us the earliest description of the Eucharist, Paul shows how Christians together make up the one body of Christ on earth. It is the one Spirit who gives the gifts each of us needs for the particular task God has given us.
In the first ending of John’s Gospel, Jesus appears to Mary Magdalen after his resurrection, and then to the disciples together in a closed room “for fear of the Jews”. Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit on them, sending them on mission with power to forgive sins.
Psalm Response: Send forth your Spirit, O Lord, and renew the face of the earth.