Gospel Reflection for Pentecost Sunday, Year B.
By The Benedictine Community
Pentecost is when God showers gifts upon his faithful people. Saint Thomas Aquinas says that the Holy Spirit is pure Gift and that his name is Gift. John's Pentecost, eight days after the Resurrection, is quiet and subdued, in contrast to Luke's description of strong winds and fiery tongues. Both are describing an event which is indescribable, a never-before-experienced event in the history of mankind. Jesus, now glorified, has kept his promise and has sent his personal emissary, the Third Person of the Trinity to stay with us as our Comforter.
In the Gospel, Jesus appears to the fearful disciples and twice wishes them peace. Then with his divine breath confers the Holy Spirit upon them together with the uniquely divine power of forgiving sin. This divine gift, the forgiveness of our sins, following repentance, is our joy, our freedom and the gift Jesus won for us by his death and resurrection. This is the Paschal Mystery, completed by the Feast of Pentecost when we celebrate the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit. Peace and joy be with you.