Reflection by Rev. Leonard N. Peterson
We lovers of classical symphonies are used to long pieces of music ending with a loud crescendo of timpani, or kettle drums. These drums are often seen at the back of the orchestra and called upon by composers to deliver thunderous percussion impact of a kind no other instrument can. You could say the music “ends with a bang.”
No doubt that upper room on Pentecost was filled with the sharp clap of thunder, with wind howling until the tongues of fire appeared over the heads of the frightened Apostles. But the “happening” was definitely the end of doubt and the fear that could come with it. All the noise preceded a calm resolution in their hearts to leave their self-imposed isolation and greet the crowd outside with some “Good News.” Jesus is alive; He is God; and He has saved us from our sins!
Pentecost marks the end of the long Lent-Easter cycle in the Church year. Ash Wednesday often comes on a dreary day in mid to late February. Pentecost closes matters on a Sunday in May or early June with warm sunshine and flowers.
All these centuries later, we still celebrate these central events, up to and including this day. The day that our Church was “born.” As the special day that the Holy Spirit came down, not crashing as much as landing on the heads of the first leaders of Christianity. The Spirit comes as Jesus had predicted.
What a thrill the recall of this event should be for us and for all who believe! For we acknowledge ourselves as the Church on earth! We are also members of the Mystical Body, with Christ Himself as our Head.
We can be so proud to realize that the Holy Spirit has never left the Church in all her mixed history of ups and downs. His guidance precludes any lapse of error in her official teachings as she marches through time. However, we must never forget that we are all redeemed sinners, made so by a loving God whose Son’s ultimate sacrifice opened the doors of heaven.
Meanwhile, we still have many unanswered questions. Let’s not forget that life here below is replete with riddles. One of them is illustrated by this story. Once upon a time, the beloved pastor of the First Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas was asked, “Will we know each other when we get to heaven?” His answer: “We won’t really know each other until we get to heaven.”
God love you and give you His Pentecost peace.
Rev. Peterson’s Reading & Gospel Summary
Reading I: Acts 2: 1-11
The wind and the fire accompanying the arrival of the Holy Spirit recalls the Old Testament fiery descent of Yahweh on Mt. Sinai during the Exodus.
Reading II: I Corinthians 12: 3b-7, 12-13
Charism is given not for an individual benefit, but for the benefit of the community. Every believer is united with Christ by the Sacraments.
The Gospel: John 20: 19-23
Jesus is raised not simply with a body, but with the same body that was crucified a few days before. Jesus’ mission of mercy will continue with the Apostles and their successors through time.