First Reading: Acts 2:1-11

Following the Ascension, the disciples waited. Fearful and lonely, they clung to the last promise that Jesus had made to them: baptism with the Holy Spirit. The day of Pentecost changed everything. These simple men from Galilee charged out into the streets of Jerusalem, the very city that had turned against them, and proclaimed the glorious deeds and power of God. For the first time, these men had the courage of their convictions.


Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13

We often tend to think of our Christian mission as “one size fits all”. We image that there is only one way to serve God, one lifestyle that will please him and one role that surpasses all others. In this letter, Saint Paul explains the many gifts of the Spirit. A machine cannot work if each part has the same function. A community cannot work if every person attempts to fulfil the same role.


Gospel Reading: John 20:19-23

All of Jesus’ appearances after his resurrection follow a similar pattern. His disciples are hurt, broken, fearful and confused. At first, they do not recognise Jesus. He does something distinctive that sparks their recognition, in this case, showing the disciples the wounds in his hands and side. As soon as they realise that it is the Lord, they are filled with joy and faith. Finally, Jesus gives them a message, an instruction, a gift. He gives his disciples the Holy Spirit, the divine breath of life, the spark that will animate them and give them the faith to understand the
Good News, the courage to proclaim it and the grace to allow it to change them.