If Pentecost celebrates the gifts of the Spirit, it can tempt us to separate the Spirit from the Father and Jesus. Sometimes we think of the Father as the God of the Old Testament, Jesus as center of New Testament, and the Spirit as God of the present age, almost as if the Father and Jesus were enjoying their retirement. No, we have one God who is over all and in all.
The Spirit has been active in all ages. The prophets were empowered by the Spirit to proclaim God’s word to Israel. Jesus was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus was filled with the Spirit as he preached and worked miracles. Then at Pentecost the disciples were filled with the Spirit.
The Spirit’s gifts are meant to be shared. The prophets could not help proclaiming God’s message. Jesus shared all he knew with his disciples. The disciples went out to the world to spread the news of Jesus’ death and resurrection. We too are given gifts to be shared.
As we come to realize how much God has done for us and how close he is to us, we will want to share that with others. Obviously, we can’t make everyone believe in Jesus. But how sad would it be if someone we know was looking for the truth and we neglected to offer it?
Tom Schmidt, Diocesan Publications
Pentecost Sunday | USCCB (Vigil, Mass during the Day and extended Vigil)