Pentecost Sunday, Year A
It is about 50 days after Easter. A couple of weeks ago, Jesus told us that the Father was going to send the Holy Spirit to teach them everything and remind them of all that Jesus has said. Last week, Jesus wanted the disciples to stay in Jerusalem until the power from heaven God promised comes. Today we celebrate the disciples receiving the Holy Spirit (the helper or power from Heaven). Pentecost is the birthday of the Church.
In our reading, the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit in the image of tongues of fire. They were able to speak the word of God in many different languages so others could understand.
In our gospel, Jesus breathes on his disciples and tells them "I give you the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of anyone, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
Special Saint: