Daily Meditation - Sunday 11May 2008 - Pentecost Sunday -

[BarbaraTherese]

My comment: The Second Reading is an important one and ties in with the First
here

Reading II
1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13

Brothers and sisters:
No one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.
There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit;
there are different forms of service but the same Lord;
there are different workings but the same God
who produces all of them in everyone.
To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit
is given for some benefit.

As a body is one though it has many parts,
and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body,
so also Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body,
whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons,
and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.

This ties in with what Jesus said: Luke 9: "49 And John, answering, said:* "Master, we saw a certain man casting out devils in thy name, and we forbade him, because he followeth not with us. 50** And Jesus said to him: Forbid him not; for he that is not against you, is for you. "*
…and something to remember in certain circumstances including on the internet that common sense in the Holy Spirit will tell us apply, including as we strive with other Faith expressions for unity.
The internet is a new medium of communication and a means of modern communication.

**Meditation **
here

Acts 2:1-11

**Pentecost **

Today we celebrate Pentecost, that great day when the Holy Spirit came upon Mary and the apostles.

• The power of God was on display in a dramatic way,
• as three thousand people accepted the gospel,
• repented,
• were baptized, and joined the church.

What followed was an exciting and continuous display of God’s power.

• People joined together for prayer and Mass.
• Some were healed of sickness.
• Some felt compelled to care for the poor,
• and others to proclaim the gospel abroad.

Despite persecution, the church grew strong because the Holy Spirit was at work.

• Soon thereafter, a second Pentecost occurred
• —this time to a group of Gentiles (Acts 10:44-48).
• Once again, as Peter preached the gospel,
• the Holy Spirit was poured out, and many were converted.

The Jews with Peter “were astounded that
the gift of the Holy Spirit should have been poured out
on the Gentiles” (10:45).

• When Paul ventured out on his missionary journeys,
• the same thing happened:
• The gospel was preached, the Spirit was released,
• people were changed,
• and churches were built.

Today’s feast is not simply a commemoration of Acts 2. It is a proclamation that whenever the gospel is preached with love, compassion, and conviction, the power of the Spirit is released, and lives are changed.

• So here is the charge: We have the Holy Spirit.
• He wants to help us draw closer to Jesus,
• and he wants to make us into his instruments of salvation.
• Let’s take some time today
• —and every day
• —to accept our Lord’s proposal,
• that is, to ask the Holy Spirit to guide us in all truth,
• and to glorify Jesus by taking from what is his
• and making it known to us (John 16:13-14).
• Let’s also follow the example of the apostles.
• Let’s try our best to preach the gospel at every opportunity.
• And while we are speaking,
• ***let’s ask the Holy Spirit to be released ***
• and touch all those who are listening.

“Come, Holy Spirit, fill me with your love.
Send your fire,
and renew the face of the earth.”