Feast of Pentecost- May 28,2023
“Go and proclaim: The Heart of JESUS is the River of Living Water”
First Proclamation: Acts 2:1-7; 12-21
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 104
Second Proclamation: 1 Corinthians 12:3-13
Gospel Reading: John 7:37-39
GO AND PROCLAIM: THE HEART OF JESUS IS THE SOURCE OF ETERNAL LIFE
(A RECAPITULATION BASED ON THE HOMILY OF +FR. ROMIE JUN PENALOSA)
The heart of Jesus is to bless everyone.
Today is Pentecost Sunday, the culmination of the Easter season. As we commemorate the Feast of the Holy Spirit and celebrate the birth of the Church, we recognize that this does not signify the end, but a profound new beginning in our journey of faith. It is a time to celebrate with utmost joy, deep gratitude, and heartfelt thanksgiving to our Almighty God.
The Gospel reading today reminds us that we will not always have a comfortable life here on Earth. In fact, Jesus said that while we are in this world, we have trials and tribulations (John 16:33). Friendship with the world is enmity with God (James 4:4) and indeed, the Christian life is not an easy one. Amidst our overwhelming tasks and limited time to fulfill it all, the Holy Spirit graciously steps in. He helps, rescues, and fortifies us in our endeavors. We all have our share of problems and inconveniences in life but praise God, Jesus encourages us not to fear or be troubled because He has already overcome the world. The character of Christ exceeds human understanding and He can triumph over the trials of the world. Through the Holy Spirit’s presence within us, He forges the Christ-like character in us by giving us the same power and strength to overcome this world’s tribulations. Quietly and consistently, the Holy Spirit is working daily in our lives. Though the fruits may not be immediately evident, He is bringing out that Jesus character in us, and we become witnesses of Christ, proclaiming that He indeed is Lord!
Today, Jesus invites us to come and drink from Him. For unbelievers, He is inviting them to believe; but for us believers, He invites us to receive the drink. For in drinking from Him, the Living Water will begin to flow in us (John 7:37-39). We will not just be filled but we will have also the ability to fill others. We need only to put our trust and confidence in the life of Jesus. The coming of the Holy Spirit like a mighty rushing wind and as tongues of fire is a picture of great power (Acts 2). Church, we need to understand that the same power working in our life is much greater than the power against us. God wants us to see that power. No matter what your problems or situations are right now, rest them in the palm of God. Do not run nor hide, but face it with the realization and understanding that God’s power within you is much greater than that of the world.
Let us allow then the Holy Spirit within us to operate in our life so that we will be filled by His power and that our mere presence in someone’s life becomes a blessing.
Recap by:
MERCY DE LA CRUZ-ESPIRITU
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