Almost two thousand years ago, a group of Christ’s faithful followers convened in an unknown location praying for safety, for security, and for strength to carry on Christ’s mission after our Lord ascended into heaven. Suddenly, a strong gust of wind enveloped the closed room and, appearing out of nowhere, tongues of fire began to sprout from their heads. As soon as it appeared, the gathering of Christ’s beloved disciples began speaking in different languages yet bearing the same message of salvation – the Lord has risen and is Christ, God of all nations. The message was heard to everyone who attended the Pentecost celebration and has sparked a revolution in the history of monotheistic faith – the birth of Christianity.
In modern day Christian faith, what is the essence of Christianity in the lives of the faithful? For those who haven’t realized Christ in their lives, what can Pentecost Sunday bring them as an invitation to accept Christ in their lives? How does the Holy Spirit work to both Catholics, non-Catholics, and non-believers alike?
Christianity, as we know it, is more than just a way of life. It is a cause that brings us all together as a family, as a community, and as a communion of souls united in the spirit of Love and Mercy, guarded by the virtues of Faith, Hope, and Love. To be a Christian in the modern world is to be a continuum of the early Christians who continue to hold on to faith in Jesus. It is about representing Christ in a world that is driven by materialistic causes, selfish intentions, and insecure notions of the self. Christianity is a guide to Life, to be able to live Life and live it to the fullest of goodness and grace.
While seven billion of the world’s population are Christians, there are still more who haven’t even met Christ in their lives. Just like the apostles preaching the gospel to all nations, we are also tasked to do the same – to reach out to the world and tell them that Christ is Lord, that He has saved us through the sacrifice of the Cross, and shall come back to be with us and bring us all to the One True God who reigns in all of us, His beloved creation. Pentecost Sunday is a memorial of the calling from Heaven that is intended to be heard by the world – not just to a selected or targetted few but to everyone who has ears.
All these are driven by the grace of the Holy Spirit, through which all creation has sprung forth from the world. The fount of mercy is scattered by the Holy Spirit, who proceeds from the Father and the Son (Nicene Creed), and gives life its essence and justifies the soul of its worth to receive mercy and love from God himself. The Holy Spirit isn’t just limited to the knowledge of the Christian believers. He is a driving force that gives everyone in the world a Cause – to be at one with God, who is the source and summit of Life. The story of Pentecost is a gentle reminder that the Holy Spirit works to everyone. The Holy Spirit is what gives Man its drive to Life, to Purpose, to Faith, to Renewal, to Reconciliation, to Justice, and to Love.
Happy Pentecost Sunday, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, and to all those who hear this message of Peace, of Love, and of Mercy. May the Holy Spirit renew all of you, reign supreme in your hearts, and drive you all towards life everlasting. Amen.
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