Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

Pentecost Sunday –   June 4, 2017

Readings: Acts 2:1-11; Responsorial Psalm Ps 104:1ab.29bc-30.31.34(R.30); 

1 Cor 12:3b-7.12-13 & Gospel John 20:19-23.

Theme: Pentecost - The Birthday of the Church!

Friends in Christ, today is Pentecost Sunday – A day which Catholics, Evangelists and Pentecostals lay claim to. What is important to this day is the fact that it is crucial to the Church. The popular saying goes, If you do not know where you are coming from, you may not likely know where you are heading to. Rather than dwelling solely on the Holy Spirit whom the Father promised, we shall reflect on four points namely: The Formation of the Church, variety of gifts in the Church, unity as an indispensable element in the Church, the manifestation of the Spirit among believers and the abiding presence of the Spirit in the Sacraments:

  

1. The Formation of the Church: Pentecost marks the birthday of the Catholic Church. Catholics proudly lay hold this teaching because of the testimony of the scriptures as well as Church Historians. Those who try to avoid the Catholic trap aimlessly start their Church History from the Reformation (31 October 1517). The bible accounts relate that Christ started his ministry at the age of 30 (Luke 3:23). It also discloses that He carried out his mission for three years. It was after the paschal events of His death, resurrection and ascension that the Holy Spirit, which He promised, came down on the apostles like tongues of fire in 33AD on Pentecost Sunday. Therefore, Pentecost marks the official date for opening of the Church (Catholic) (Acts 2:1-4, 38-42). This is why the Catholic Church has 2017 solid years behind her ­– praise the Lord. Others put the celebration of Pentecost also known as “WhitSunday” as dating back to the 4^th century!  

2. Variety of Gifts in the Church: The message of Pentecost reminds us of the variety of gits in the Church. Some have the gift of tongues while others have the gift of interpreting the tongues. This speaks to the heart of God adorning His Church with talented men and women who are called to use their gifts and talents for the service of God and humanity. The bible says, What have you that has not been given you by the Lord and if it has been given you by the Lord, why brag about it? (1 Corinthians 4:7). The message of Pentecost is clear – we must have the capacity to put into use what God has endowed us with. 

3. Unity as an Indispensable Element in the Church: That the apostles were able to understand what others were saying in their native langue aptly describes unity in diversity. Just take a good look at the world – the tribes, tongues, peoples and nations (Revelations 7:9) the bible speaks about reveals the various colours of people God has decorated the world with. By uniting the world at Pentecost, the Spirit wants Christians everyone to speak against racism and discrimination of all forms. This is not only a call to the United Nations or Presidents of the most powerful nations of the earth but it is a call to all. We must, with the help of God, push the frontiers of establishing that New World Order of love and unity which Christ exemplified by the manner of the death he endured on Calvary. 

4. The Manifestation of the Spirit among Believers: Standing on the promises of Christ,  believers are able to do much than they can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20), through the help of the one who strengthens them (Philippians 4:13). Christians have the leverage to allow the Holy Spirit to manifest in their lives. We are charged to call down the power of the Holy Spirit upon our lives so that its transforming power can manifest itself in our lifetime. We must not be members of the Charismatic Renewal before the Spirit can work in our lives. If we find time for prayer, mortification, bible study, spiritual silence and reflection, the Spirit of God would always manifest itself in our lives.

5. The Abiding Presence of the Spirit in the Sacraments: Jesus had promised that the Holy Spirit would abide with us forever (John 14:16). This promise is still valid because all the sacraments of the Church are administered by the power of the Holy Spirit. The definition of a sacrament as an outward sign of inward grace ordained by Christ attests to that fact. With particular reference to the sacrament of confirmation (Acts 8:14-17; 9:19; 19:6 & Hebrews 6:2), confirmed Christians are once again challenged to live up to their confirmation commitments. It is not just enough to bear a confirmation name – that additional name means that as a soldier of Christ, you are ready for the battles of life which includes trials, temptations and tribulations. In the wake of various attacks on Christians in some parts of Philippines and Egypt, we invoke the Holy Spirit to empower them so that they would endure to the end.

As the Easter season ends today, may the ordinary time of the year usher in the blessings of a new farming season which coincides with the green liturgical colour. May the blessings of Pentecost Sunday renew the face of the earth and energise us to witness to the faith come what may.