The expression “Holy Spirit” appears four times in Mark, five times in Matthew, 13 times in Luke, and 41 times in Acts of the Apostles, the sequel to Luke’s gospel. Because of this, Luke is sometimes called the Evangelist of the Holy Spirit, and in Acts, he highlights the Spirit’s impact on the life of the Church. Here is some line-by-line commentary on today’s First Reading.
“When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled. . .” We are accustomed to thinking of the word “Pentecost” within a Christian context, but Pentecost was originally a Jewish harvest festival to celebrate the giving of the Law to Moses on Mt. Sinai, traditionally rendered as fifty days after the Exodus. Recall that in the Book of Exodus, Moses’ climb up Sinai was accompanied by thunder, lightning, loud trumpet blasts, and smoke. The Lord appeared in the form of fire and presented Moses with the Ten Commandments that would define the Israelites as a unique people. This is a pre-figuration of how the Holy Spirit would define the identity of the Church.
“They were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind. . .” Thus, there was a physical manifestation of the Holy Spirit, much like the physical manifestation of God at Sinai.
“Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. . .” To Moses alone on Mt. Sinai, the Lord appeared as fire, and so too does the Holy Spirit at the house where the apostles were gathered. But the Spirit’s fire is divided and shared with ALL present, who represent the new Israel.
“Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem. At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. . .” Because of the Jewish Feast of Pentecost, the city was filled with people “from every nation.” Thus, the Good News of Jesus Christ is revealed to be a message of hope that would go beyond the borders of Israel and Judah. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, this message goes out to the whole world.
We have a choice between two Gospel readings today. The first choice is the same Gospel that was proclaimed on Divine Mercy Sunday: John 20. The second Gospel option is from John 15, in which Jesus says:
When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. And you also will testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.
There is so much richness in the Pentecost readings. The early Church took all this Scripture and pondered the meaning behind the dynamic revelation of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. There was much misinterpretation and heresy, but it eventually became clear to the early Church that the Holy Spirit is not a surrogate or substitute for the ascended Christ. Indeed, the Holy Spirit is the assurance that Jesus is still alive and very much active in his Church.
So, the question for today as our world copes with war, unrest, and political turmoil: Where is the Holy Spirit?? The answer is: The Spirit has been with us this whole time! But perhaps we have been too preoccupied or alarmed or distracted by the chaos to notice. This Pentecost, let us place our fears and worries in the hands of Jesus and allow his Spirit to breathe in us to change our world.
Pentecost Entrance Antiphon The Spirit of the Lord Has Filled the Whole World [Option 1] (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #112
There are two options for the Entrance Antiphon. Option 1 from the Book of Wisdom speaks of how the Spirit fills the whole world with understanding.
Entrance Chant Holy Spirit, Come Now / Santo Espiritu, Ven (Jesse Manibusan and Santiago Fernandez)
Breaking Bread #201
The refrain for this song, in English and Spanish, is easily learned by the assembly. Pentecost is an appropriate time to include many languages in our songs of praise.
Responsorial Psalm Lord, Send Out Your Spirit and Renew the Face of the Earth (Steve Angrisano)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: p. 240
Steve Angrisano’s verbatim setting of Psalm 104 has become a favorite for this great celebration of the Church.
Sequence Pentecost Sequence (Jesse Manibusan and Remi Fonseca Bauer)
Pentecost is one of at least four celebrations in the Roman Missal with a unique song or “Sequence” that is sung before the Gospel. You will find the sheet music for this contemporary setting by Jesse Manibusan and Remi Fonseca Bauer in the link above.
Gospel Acclamation Alleluia: Mass of St. Mary Magdalene (Sarah Hart)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: p. 242
As sung in last night’s Vigil Mass, this acclamation text is the Church’s traditional invocation of the Holy Spirit.
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts Holy Spirit, Come to Me (Julie Hoy)
Spirit & Song #123
This gentle ballad sings of the Spirit’s gift of inner peace.
Pentecost Communion Antiphon They Were All Filled with the Holy Spirit (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #114
The Communion Antiphon text is taken from today’s First Reading from Acts.
Communion Chant Ang Katawan ni Kristo / Behold the Body of Christ (Ricky Manalo, CSP)
Breaking Bread #356
This song offers a simple way to allow your choir and assembly to sing in Filipino! Most of the song is in English, but the phrase, “Ang katawan ni Kristo” is easily learned.
Sending Forth Go Make a Difference (Steve Angrisano and Tom Tomaszek)
Spirit & Song #213; Never Too Young #260; Breaking Bread #485
This powerful song of mission and ministry that has become a Pentecost classic.
Liturgy Blog is a weekly liturgy planning resource for musicians, liturgists, homilists, youth groups, faith sharing groups, and all who look to the liturgical readings for inspiration and nourishment. Join Ken Canedo as he breaks open the Scripture and suggests tracks from the Spirit & Song contemporary repertoire.
If you want to use songs that are not in any of the books you have, you can license the songs through ONE LICENSE. Paying for the usage of songs will ensure the Church will have quality songs for years to come.
