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Full lections can be read here.
Based on the Readings as Set
First Reading (Acts 2:1-21)
On the Day of Pentecost Jesus’ followers are filled with the Holy Spirit as he promised. Their room is overwhelmed by wind and fire and they begin to proclaim God’s power in the languages of astonished foreign pilgrims. Peter explains this as the arrival of the age to come.
Psalm (104:24-34, 35b)
The Psalmist celebrates the wisdom of the Lord in the creation and sustaining of all things, both animate and inanimate. He accomplishes this by means of his Spirit and the Psalmist responds with heartfelt praise.
Second Reading (Romans 8:14-17)
Paul identifies the Holy Spirit as the one who connects us so intimately to Christ that we share in being God’s children and heirs with him of the glory to come. Led by the Spirit, we are no longer slaves but adopted children, bearing the confirming inner witness of his Spirit.
Gospel (John 14:8-17 [25-27])
Just before he dies Jesus teaches that his works show that he and the Father are one. In fact, those who love him and follow him will actually do more, receiving all they ask in his name. Given the Spirit of truth to remind them of his teaching, they will enjoy his unique peace.
CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS
- The coming of the Holy Spirit marks the beginning of a (new) creation
- The Holy Spirit is given in order to enable and extend the Church’s witness to the Christ-event
- The Holy Spirit is Christ-with-us and in us
- The Holy Spirit continues the mission of the ascended Jesus
- The Holy Spirit more than makes up for the physical absence of Jesus
Based on the Alternate Readings
First Reading (Genesis 11:1-9)
Not long after creation humans have one language but they make a prideful attempt to build a great tower in Babel in order to reach all the way to heaven. The Lord is upset and causes them to speak in different tongues to frustrate their efforts and scatter them over the earth.
Psalm (104:24-34, 35b)
The Psalmist celebrates the wisdom of the Lord in the creation and sustaining of all things, both animate and inanimate. He accomplishes this by means of his Spirit and the Psalmist responds with heartfelt praise.
Second Reading (Acts 2:1-21)
On the Day of Pentecost Jesus’ followers are filled with the Holy Spirit as he promised. Their room is overwhelmed by wind and fire and they begin to proclaim God’s power in the languages of astonished foreign pilgrims. Peter explains this as the arrival of the age to come.
Gospel (John 14:8-17 [25-27])
Just before he dies Jesus teaches that his works show that he and the Father are one. In fact, those who love him and follow him will actually do more, receiving all they ask in his name. Given the Spirit of truth to remind them of his teaching, they will enjoy his unique peace.
CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS
- The coming of the Holy Spirit marks the beginning of a (new) creation
- The Holy Spirit is given in order to enable the Church’s witness to the Christ-event
- The Holy Spirit continues the mission of the ascended Jesus
- The Holy Spirit more than makes up for the physical absence of Jesus
- The disunity of humanity expressed in language, is no barrier to the Gospel