Epiclesis on the Day of Pentecost?

[nr1985]

Hi All;

I had a thought while contemplating the descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.

During the Mass, at the time of consecration, the Priest calls down the Holy Spirit upon the gifts (‘Epiclesis’).

When the Holy Spirit comes into the upper room, and appears ‘as tongues of fire’, we note that the apostles are praying in the room with Mary. With them all being present, it seems as though they are gathered purposefully, and I am curious if they are celebrating mass.

Therefore, I wondered if the liturgical element of Epiclesis was perhaps instituted at this time? Possibly the holy spirit arrived at this point, at this early mass?

I just wondered what your thoughts might be on this point?

 

[nr1985]

Any thoughts, anyone? Lol.

 

[InThePew]

The apostles were at that point still Jews - the notion of Christianity as a distinct faith in itself as opposed to being a Jewish sect had yet to emerge. We see an indication of this in the First reading for Easter Wednesday which refers to Peter and John going up to the Temple for the (Jewish) prayers at the ninth hour. There is admittedly a reference to celebrating the “breaking of the bread” at the end of Acts 2. However Acts was written after the Pauline texts and so Luke’s use of this phrase is influenced by Paul’s writings. It’s also important to remember that Pentecost was a Jewish festival - hence the reason for them gathering in prayer.

Finally, just to make things more complicated, John’s gospel (20:22-23) places the reception of the Holy Spirit much earlier - basically just after sundown on the day of the resurrection!

 

[nr1985]

" It’s also important to remember that Pentecost was a Jewish festival - hence the reason for them gathering in prayer."

I actually didn’t know that!

Do you think they would have gathered to celebrate the Eucharist before pentecost?

 

[InThePew]

"

Do you think they would have gathered to celebrate the Eucharist before pentecost?

I’d say probably not since the Eucharist (as we know it) developed later and even the notion of celebrating a meal “in memory” of Christ probably didn’t develop until after Pentecost because it wasn’t until after then that the apostles’ mission began and the number of believers grew - which is why Pentecost is known as the birthday of the Church.