As I write this reflection, it is Pentecost weekend: June 9 and 10. With the expertise of an article in a 2019 Sourcebook, “The Almanac for Pastoral Liturgy by LTP,” I wish to share the origins of this great feast.
“The Greek word for Pentecost means “50th,” and in early Christianity referred to the entire 50 days of Easter. The roots of Pentecost can be found in the Jewish festival of Weeks (Shavuot), the 50-day celebration following Passover (Exodus 23:16). It was a harvest festival in which the first fruits of the harvest were offered to God in gratitude. It eventually became associated with the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai. Early Christians reinterpreted the Jewish festival as a commemoration of the coming of the Holy Spirit.”
We know that the early Christian community knew that Jesus and the life-giving Spirit were with them. That conviction sustained and empowered them to deal with unimaginable challenges. When the disciples first encountered the resurrected Christ they were met with the Lord’s gift of forgiveness and peace, “Peace be with you.” (John 20:19) Jesus was not simply forgiving them. But inviting them to share in his divine mission to bring forgiveness and peace to the world.
It is good to remember that Pentecost was not a one-time event. It is a celebration of possibilities to bring unity and peace to our world. Such is the work of the Holy Spirit in each of our lives and in our communities. It’s about being open to be led by the Spirit so that we can live a unity that is not afraid of diversity, a unity that respects and honors the giftedness that we share with others. It is the Spirit who empowers us to seek out and heal those wounds that threaten the body of humanity and the body of Christ — fear, discrimination, war, disregard for life, bullying, exploitation and other forces of evil — that lead people away from community and into loneliness and isolation.
If we want Pentecost to come to life in us, God’s word is very clear that tells us that forgiveness is the place to start. We need to accept ourselves as beloved and forgiven sinners. It also calls us to become involved in reconciliation by forgiving and by being agents of forgiveness who help others learn that it is possible. It is an ongoing process as we become instruments of God’s renewing Spirit for our world.
As we celebrate Father’s Day on June 16, let us express our gratitude for the ways our dads strive to be instruments of God’s presence, strength and peace. May we offer this prayer for our fathers in that spirit of gratitude and hope. Heavenly Father, on this day in which we honor fathers, may we love and cherish the special men who have gifted us with life, who have nurtured us, and who have prayed for our well-being.
Through the special intercession of St. Joseph, the foster-father of Jesus, we ask you to bless our fathers that they may know the strength and grace of your Holy Spirit. May your abundant grace be with them as we pray in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
— Reflections appears regularly on the religion page. The column features a variety of local writers, coordinated through the Monroe Area Clergy Group. Msgr. Larry M. Bakke is pastor for St. Clare of Assisi Parish and director of the Apostolate to the Handicapped for the Diocese of Madison.
